Sir, – Let us have some good news. Let Michael Noonan open his budget statement by announcing the abolition of most of the lavish allowances and expenses paid out to TDs and Senators and by promising that necessary expenses will be awarded reimbursement only where fully vouched-for receipts are produced.
He might even admit that the salaries of all our politicians are more than adequate to meet the expenses they incur. After all, the majority of taxpayers, who have to pay for this largesse, do not themselves benefit from similar allowances and expenses. If necessary, Mr Noonan could announce a referendum to ensure the legality of these changes. This would give a great boost to the Government because it could be certain that this particular referendum would pass. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Following recent alarming reports on obesity in Ireland and the massive strains on our health and other budgets, may I respectfully suggest some practical suggestions for the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan and the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly to include in the budget in order to reduce public expenditure in this area and increase tax revenue from non-essentials: 1. Introduce enhanced healthy living programmes and healthy eating courses in all schools and community centres. 2. Offer tax incentives for people to participate in fitness programmes and/or achieve an acceptable body mass index. 3. Increase the tax on all tobacco products and ban smoking in all public places inside and out. 4. Introduce a penalty on the use of cars within a certain radius of our city and town centres similar to London and elsewhere except for people with disabilities and mothers with young children. 5.Consider a new tax on certain “junk” and “takeaway” foods. 6. Ensure food manufacturers highlight the calorie and additive content on all packaged foods.
I’m sure there are many more simple and effective ideas which could be introduced to achieve significant health improvements in our nation. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Two articles in your newspaper caught my attention this morning (December 2nd): €36 million spent on security for the visits of Queen Elizabeth and President Obama, and the expected budget cut in guidance provision for schools. It is interesting that the cost of the security is almost exactly the same as the cost of providing a full-time guidance counsellor in every second level school in the State for a year. I draw no conclusions. – Yours, etc,