Sir, – I see Minister for Finance Michael Noonan is examining a plan to extend the right of multimillionaire tax exiles to live in Ireland for up to 244 days a year, without further liability to Irish taxation, if they were to “buy” this right in the form of payments of €15 million to unspecified charities over a period of 10 years (Front Page, July 15th).
My question for these homesick patriots is, if you love your country so much, why don’t you pay your taxes here? In that case, they could stay here as long as they wanted. – Yours, etc,
JANE REYNOLDS,
Stannaway Road,
Dublin 12.
Sir, – The proposal apparently is to establish a second class of citizens, who are to live amongst us, yet not pay the taxes we pay, and who undertake to make charitable donations outside the democratic determination of the common good – in other words, where and when they see fit.
How can this be attractive, and is holding one’s nose sufficient?
My answer: it is repugnant, and I shall refuse to hold my nose. – Yours, etc,
PÁDRAIG MURPHY,
Tubbermore Road,
Dalkey ,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Now that the Government is considering its equivalent of plenary indulgences for our sinning tax exiles, perhaps they can also set up a panel of “Pardoners” to grant these favours.
We are now blessed with some great medieval politicians and civil servants! – Yours, etc,
KEITH NOLAN,
Caldra House,
Carrick-on-Shannon,
Co Leitrim.