Inequality and fee-paying schools
Senator Gavan called for a debate on inequality, citing privilege in fee-paying schools and the lack of welfare and pension increases. The Leader disputed his claims, but Gavan maintained that the wealthy were being favoured and pressed again for a debate on equality.
The last time I asked for a debate on equality or inequality in the Chamber, Miriam Lord wrote in The Irish Times the next day that there was some hope of ever having that. However, I have faith and I would ask the Leader that we have a debate on the issue of inequality in our society. I want to give two examples that popped up over the weekend. The first was the data on private fee-paying schools. We see that they still have a very strong grip on the most sought-after third level courses. Half of the 25 schools which sent the highest proportion of their students to third level this year were fee-paying schools. I would ask the Leader to reflect on the fact that while we invest €60 million on DEIS schools, taxpayers lavish €90 million on private fee-paying schools to pay for salaries. To put that in perspective, even the British Tory Party - perhaps the most right-wing bunch of nutters we have come across in recent years - does not ask for private fee-paying schools to be subsidised by the taxpayer. Apparently, this Government continues to do so.
I also want to highlight the special assignee relief programme, because we saw the figures released there, including a €28 million subsidy to some of the richest people in the State, millionaires who get 30% tax relief on income over €75,000. The cap is at €1 million. We had 1,100 people benefit to the tune of €28 million in 2017. Interestingly, some of them can get double bubble because they can also claim €5,000 a year tax relief allowance for private schools fees for their children.
We see these subsidies lavished on the very wealthiest sections of our society while at the same time we see that this Government has frozen the minimum wage.
Comment on this
Yes, it has. We saw no welfare rate increases and no pension rate increases.
Comment on this
Senator Buttimer can say "Ah Jesus" but if he is up there, I do not think he would be impressed with Fine Gael lavishing moneys on the very wealthiest sections of our society. There is a €90 million subsidy to fee-paying schools. That is what Fine Gael stands for-----
Comment on this
-----while people struggle in their everyday lives. It is not good enough and I call again for that debate on equality.