Sir, – Cliff Taylor points out (Opinion June 22nd) that Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has repeatedly emphasised that Irish people become liable to pay tax at the higher 40 per cent rate but does not mention the simplest, least costly and most equitable measure to remedy this, the introduction of a new, higher tax band for top earners.
Such a measure could be cost-neutral while also removing workers earning less than the average wage from the highest tax band.
It would also remove the best defence top-earners have from paying higher rates – that such rates also apply to below average earners – and that’s why the current Government is so reluctant to introduce it. – Yours, etc,
DONAL McGRATH,
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Greystones, Co Wicklow.