SF calls for island tax and welfare code

CALLS FOR an all-island taxation and social welfare system in Ireland are to be made through local authorities on both sides of the Border.

The moves from Sinn Féin members are in response to problems in dealing with bureaucracy and accessing benefits in Border regions, according to the party.

Michelle Gildernew, Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh-South Tyrone, said she has already raised the issue at the North-South Ministerial Council.

Ms Gildernew said inequalities were being experienced in the “unfair imposition of vehicle registration tax” which is paid by those who move to the South and need to re-register their vehicles.

She also said people in the South were facing difficulties trying to claim tax credits when they live in the South but work in the North.

In relation to social welfare payments, Ms Gildernew said the imposition of a “habitual residence” condition by the Department of Social Protection was causing unnecessary problems.

The MP said that “partition” was not “some vague constitutional issue”.

“It is having a very real and negative impact on people living in Fermanagh, Donegal, Monaghan and right along the Border corridor,” she said.