Recently, An Bord Pleanála made the disappointing decision to refuse planning permission for a €650m liquefied natural gas terminal in my county, citing it as “contrary” to government policy. This terminal would have played a crucial role in introducing much-needed competition to the wholesale gas market for electricity generation in our country.
However, the government’s current actions are effectively subsidizing the already excessive profits of the ESB and other major players in the market, by offering credits and allowances to the most disadvantaged customers. These customers, who do not necessarily care about the source of wholesale gas for their homes, will ultimately suffer the most from this decision. It is evident that these economic and market dynamics will likely lead to a recession, with the poorest and most vulnerable people being the hardest hit, once again.
Furthermore, the monopolistic conditions in the wholesale electricity market, where rates are reduced simultaneously and by similar amounts by almost all retail providers, continue to go unchallenged. This perpetuates a cartel-like situation that hampers true competition.
In a separate issue, Lorraine Courtney’s perspective on degrees is misguided. The Education Minister, Simon Harris, aims to open up third-level education to allow individuals to explore their talents and passions, rather than confining them to traditional degree paths. This means that someone with a passion for plumbing can establish their own business and create jobs, just like someone with a medical degree can make a significant impact in their field. The idea of comparing different degrees and suggesting one is better than another is outdated and should be discarded.
It is time to embrace the potential of every degree and support individuals in finding their true passion and career path. Let us break down the barriers to education and create opportunities for all.
Moving on to the housing crisis in Dublin, it is disheartening to see how the city’s property prices and unscrupulous developers have pushed young people to their limits. The relentless cycle of saving, paying exorbitant rent, and struggling with a diminished quality of life is taking a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of the young population. The promised ban on rent-only properties has not been enforced, and the government should be held accountable for allowing profit-driven developers to exacerbate the crisis.
It is time to ask tough questions to the Housing Minister. How long will young Dubliners be held hostage by developers prioritizing profit? Is it justifiable to burden our youth with sky-high rents? What steps have been taken to enforce the ban on rent-only properties, and why is progress so slow? When will affordable housing become a priority?
The crisis has reached catastrophic proportions, with young Dubliners trapped in an unending cycle of unaffordability and burnout. Property developers have exploited their vulnerability, while the government has failed to prioritize the well-being of its citizens over profit margins. The Housing Minister must act now and bring about genuine change.
As the Budget approaches, it is evident that tax fairness for the squeezed middle-class is urgently needed. With 1.07 million workers paying the higher 40% tax rate, it is essential to substantially increase the upper limit of the standard income tax rate band. The current cut-off point is significantly lower than that in Northern Ireland, creating economic disparities. Increasing the rate closer to the UK level will not only benefit hard-working taxpayers but also contribute to economic harmonization on a north-south basis.
For those who support a united Ireland, it is crucial to recognize that the high personal income tax burden in the Republic acts as a deterrent to economically rational voters in the North. It is in Sinn Féin’s interest to support tax equity for the squeezed middle class by advocating for an increase in the standard rate cut-off point to align with the UK rate. Additionally, the current high marginal personal tax rate hampers Ireland’s attractiveness for talent and foreign direct investment. Thus, the government should take the opportunity to increase the standard rate cut-off point to at least €50,000 as the first step towards achieving much-needed tax fairness.
Written by Joseph G O’Hanlon
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