Sir, – For those parents seeking a way to protect their heirs from inheritance tax, might I suggest having more of them. It certainly worked for me and my nine siblings. – Yours, etc,
HUGH Mc DONNELL,
Dublin 9.
Sir, – There is an irony in the current discourse on inheritance tax. There is often vocal opposition against those receiving welfare payments from the State who are perceived to take without contribution.
Many of the same voices ardently support tax-free, substantial and life-altering inheritances received most often by individuals in their 40s or 50s.
They do so without any direct personal effort, it must be said.
In both instances, individuals benefit financially without “earning” it in the traditional sense. Yet, welfare recipients are often unfairly stigmatised whereas beneficiaries are rarely scrutinised in the same way.
One wonders why dependency on inherited wealth is championed by some as a fair reward, while dependency on the State is criticised by the same people as some kind of a moral failing. – Yours, etc,
REAMONN O’LUAN,
Dublin 14.