Tax Changes Blasted

The Government has been slammed by opposition leaders and trade unions as it moves to introduce a new raft of taxes.

The new taxes have emerged from a recommendation by the Commission on Taxation, which has suggested the introduction of a property tax, carbon taxes and water charges. The report also recommends taxing child benefit.

A senior official with the country's largest trade union said he does not believe the proposed changes to the system would be fair if implemented.

SIPTU Vice President Brendan Hayes, who is also a member of the tax commission, declined to sign up to the Commission's findings, which were published yesterday.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Hayes said Ireland could not have a low-tax society and expect decent public services and infrastructure.

He said a proper debate was needed about what shape Ireland wanted society to take.

If implemented, the measures will cost families and individual taxpayers thousands of euro - although the Commission says the increases should be balanced by tax reductions.

Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan said the proposals would take several years to implement.

However, it has emerged this morning the Government is likely to shelve the property tax aspect of the reccommendation, as it could prove politically disastrous in the current climate.

However, proposals for the carbon tax and the taxation of child benefit, are likely to go ahead.

(DW/GK)