Earlier today, we ran a live blog on the publication of the Government's four-year plan. Here are a selection of your comments:
You know the whole thing reminds me of our heritage, I feel like a peasant whose rates are being raised due to the landlord overspending. Property tax? On site value? So better to look poor, than be taxed. Not to mention the mortgage tax, service rates, income cuts. Why would anyone stay in Ireland? We will be a nation of empty houses, and STILL no cuts at Seanad or Government level. - SadIrish
The VAT rate is not being raised until 2013, and it is 1 per cent, do people really think this will affect spending? To put it in context, it is an extra €1 on €100 spent. The property tax will top €200 annually, again this isn't that bad, it is approximately €4 a week. - Paul
This is not a credible plan, just a continuation of the failed corrective measures implimented since 2008 and a further step along the road to ecomomic and social ruin. Recovery is only possible with growth, why then no change in €10 tourist tax or creation of an enterprise fund? The fact that the NTMA reserve has been mentioned as additional future funding for the banks, says more about whats really going on and why the people if they care at all, have to act. - More of the same
A reduction to maintenance of roads? Bumpy times ahead. - KC
I'm on the dole, made redundant from the construction industry. How will cutting my jobseeker benefit incentivise me to take up non-existant jobs in either construction or any other sector. It's a complete joke! - Fintan
It's unfair that they are targeting middle earning people and those coming out of college. Strongly considering emigrating. - Nicola
"The vitality and dynamism of our economy depends on the health of our export sector which in turn stimulates domestic demand and creates jobs." (page 9) - Ireland's placement in Europe makes it ideal as an export location (both physical and digital). We need to focus on our core strengths and build an economy around it..." DH
THE ECB doled out the monies to the Irish banks and had no controls in place. They also caused the present crisis by pulling the plug and forcing us into the arms of the IMF and Euro Zone Why should be pay them back their €100 million + and also with interest? Let them convert part of the monies into equity in the banks and let them also take over NAMA. If we borrow more money now we are digging a bigger hole. - PJ Byrne
A 10 per cent pay cut on new entrants into the public sector means that they will take a disproportionate hit. Pay cuts in the public service should be across the board in a democratic, fair and proportionate manner. - AR
Whatever about the Irish economy, this will do wonder to stimulate the black economy. Well done Messrs Cowen and Lenihan. - Bad_Hamster
This 'plan' is designed to force all the young to emigrate and plunder the poor, sick and powerless. I'm ashamed to be Irish. - Neil
These changes should have occurred in 2006/2007 and we would have been on our way out of this mess. Irish society, politicans and electorate suffered the trappings of a nouveau riche mentality. I'm glad the IMF/ECB/EU Commissioners are here. We have proved we are unable to manage our own affairs and it's about time everyone got their manners slapped into place. - CK
The biggest mistake Ireland ever made was joining the EU. Take for example the prosperous Switzerland or even Norway, who still have their own oil fields, untouched fish stock and renewable energy... If Norway can survive without EU funding, thus Ireland is the sucker... - John
The flat fee of €2000 for HE students is grossly unfair. A student doing a course that costs the state €4000 pays €2000, a student studying medicine which costs the state €27,000 only pay €2000 too. Fees based on a percentage of the cost of the course is fairer. - Derek