Irish taxpayers question benefits amid fuel price hikes, tax increases since 2010

Recent international events have driven up fuel prices, prompting many Irish citizens to question the extent to which the State benefits from fuel taxation. Since 2010, Irish governments have implemented a carbon tax, property tax, and the temporary Universal Social Charge (USC), while also increasing the main VAT rate from 21 percent to 23 percent. Furthermore, the State has received substantial corporation tax revenue, largely from a small number of US multinational corporations.

Given this increased taxation burden, taxpayers are entitled to question the tangible benefits they have received. Have healthcare services improved? Has public transport and infrastructure been enhanced? Is Dublin city center safer, and are there more Gardaí patrolling the capital to ensure taxpayer safety? Has affordable housing become more accessible for taxpayers' children?

Despite the existence of a taxation commission that consistently recommends increased taxation, State spending appears to lack sufficient scrutiny. It is time to establish a spending commission to regularly and thoroughly review State expenditures and value for money. This commission should be diverse, including representatives from PAYE workers and the self-employed, rather than solely relying on academics, State departments, and NGOs.

The government's tacit acceptance of the EU declaration that any reduction in fuel excise duty must be temporary and have a defined end date is perplexing. The same conditions were applied to the USC when it was initially introduced as a "temporary" measure, yet there is no indication of its termination.