THE Drinks Industry Group, in a pre-Budget submission yesterday, called for a three-year phased reduction programme for tax on alcohol, to harmonise rates with the European norm, writes Colm Keena. The programme should start with the harmonisation of alcohol taxes with Northern Ireland and Britain, leading to an all-Ireland common market, the group told the Dail Select Committee on Finance and General Affairs.

The Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute, in its submission to the same committee, once again demanded that the Government abolish the "iniquitous residential property tax". The institute criticised the tax as being "discriminatory, regressive, and anti-family."

The Irish Hotels Federation, in its submission, called on the Minister for Finance to extend local authority rates to the 14,000 unapproved bed-and-breakfast operations which they said exist.

Meanwhile, the Irish Farmers Association asked the committee to recommend increased capital allowances for in vestment in pollution control facilities. The association's submission contained proposals to allow up to 50 per cent of the cost of investment in pollution control facilities, up to a ceiling of £20,000 in any one year. The IFA is also looking for changes in company tax law to allow farmers incorporate their business.