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Joan Collins
Joan Collins
Independents 4 Change


Incumbent :

Candidate positions on the election issues:

Taxes and Spending

The government should prioritise putting money aside for future challenges (e.g. Brexit) rather than putting it back into the economy now

The government now takes in more money than it spends. Some argue that this should be set aside to prepare for shocks like Brexit or a sharp reduction in corporation tax revenue. Others argue that the priority should be putting money into the economy through higher public spending or tax cuts.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"The future challenges are now. We are facing numerous crises from housing to health to the environment. If not now to invest when credit is historically cheap and the wealthy and large corporations so lowly taxed then when? 50,000 homeless, waiting lists for waiting lists and the planet on fire? "

When there is scope for tax cuts or public spending increases, what should be done?

During the recession, new taxes were introduced and public spending was cut. Some argue that when possible, the government should cut taxes to put money back into people’s pockets. Others argue that the priority should be to increase public spending in areas such as housing and health.
Significant tax cuts
Some tax cuts and some increases in spending on public services
Significant increase in spending on public services
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"The question really is who is going to pay tax locally and globally and on what. Relatively speaking income tax in Ireland is progressive however tax on wealth and profits are now practically non-existent. There is scope to cut income taxes for low and middle PAYE earners. "

Should taxes on lower earners (below €35,000) be increased or decreased?

Currently, people earning under €16,500 do not pay income tax. People earning over that pay the standard rate of 20%. There is also the Universal Social Charge: those earning under €13,000 are exempt, while those earning up to €20,000 pay up to 2%, rising to 4.5% for earnings over that amount.
Increased
Stay the same
Decreased
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"It is lower earners who end up paying more percentage wise in tax due to the high level of stealth taxes like VAT. Similar to other workers universal programmes in health, education, transport etc would actually equate to a decrease cost of living and a more efficient economy."

Should taxes on middle earners (€35,000-€70,000) be increased or decreased?

The standard rate of income tax is 20%, which applies to all income up €35,300 (for a single person); earnings above that are taxed at 40%. The Universal Social Charge is 4.5% on income between €20,000 and €70,000.
Increased
Stay the same
Decreased
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Again in this range of earners there is scope to decrease overall taxes. Income tax is relatively progressive but workers in these brackets pay consumption taxes like VAT but also pay for items like bin collection, health services, transport or education that should be free at point use. "

Should taxes on high earners (over €70,000) be increased or decreased?

The standard rate of income tax is 20%, which applies to all income up €35,300 (for a single person); earnings above that are taxed at 40%. The Universal Social Charge is 8% on earnings over €70,000.
Increased
Stay the same
Decreased
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Again PAYE, income taxes are relatively progressive in Ireland. But the question is about all taxes. Those on over €70,000 and way beyond are more likely to have earning through assets. At risk of repeating myself we need a wealth tax. "

Should corporation taxes be increased or decreased?

Ireland’s corporate tax rate is 12.5%, which is low by international standards. Many large companies pay a much lower rate in practice. This makes us attractive for multinationals, which are a major contributor to the economy; it has also led to accusations of Ireland being a tax haven.
Increased
Stay the same
Decreased
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"I think it has got to a stage where most right thinking people recognise that corporation taxes need to be increased. Ireland has played a central role in facilitating a race to the bottom on corporation taxes. If corporations even paid the 12.5% rate we would be in a much better place."

Housing and Health

Should the local property tax rates be increased or decreased?

The standard rate of LPT is 0.18% of a property’s market value. This rate can be adjusted up or down by the local authority. The revenue raised is used to fund local services and some of it is redistributed to other local authorities. LPT currently makes up less than 1% of all tax revenue.
Increased
Stay the same
Decreased
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"The property tax is in effect a regressive home tax that does not take ability to pay in to account. Again we need to be taxing wealth and assets. "

A rent freeze should be introduced across the country

Currently, rent increases are limited to 4% in ‘rent pressure zones’. Some argue that there should be a blanket rent freeze, so landlords could not increase rents at all for a period. Others argue that a rent freeze would drive landlords out of the sector and reduce the supply of houses for rent.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"We have gone beyond a crisis in housing. I hear from families and individuals every week who are about to go homeless because they have been priced out of the rental market. This is an emergency situation. Without drastic action we will see more and more people gouged on rental prices."

Much more resources should be directed to building local authority housing, even if that means cutting back in other areas or raising taxes

Some argue that local authority house building should be increased dramatically, as there are almost 70,000 people on waiting lists. Others favour alternative methods of solving the housing crisis, such as encouraging more private development or providing more supports for people to rent or buy.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"One thing we could cut back on is legal defence to oppose the €13bn that was found to be owed to us by Apple. We could raise tax by increasing the actual rate of corporation tax to the headline 12.5%. We built huge amounts of public housing when Ireland was classified as "3rd world" why not now?"

The best solution to the housing crisis is to incentivise more building by private developers

To solve the housing crisis, some argue we need to incentivise developers to build more houses (e.g. by reducing taxes on construction or introducing harsher penalties for ‘land hording’). Others argue that the solution should instead focus on building more local authority housing.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"We have a situation where the hoarding of land by private interests has been promoted in this state for 30+ years. Anyone who thinks more incentives to private developers will solve this housing crisis is not paying attention. Harsher use it or lose it taxes on land hoarding is needed."

There should be free health care for all, even those on higher incomes

Currently, only some people are entitled to a medical card or free GP care. Many people who can afford it choose to take out private health insurance. Some argue that there should be universal health care for most medical treatments, paid with public funds. Others say this would cost too much.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Universal programmes are more stable over time because they get support from all elements of society. Look at the popularity of the NHS. The current system with higher and higher Private Health Premiums is completely inefficient and grossly unfair. We need an Irish NHS. "

Environment

What should the focus be for investment in transport?

Some say we need to reduce our dependence on cars, and invest in sustainable transport instead (e.g. buses, trains, cycling, walking). Others argue that failing to invest in our road network will damage the economy. Currently we spend more on roads than on public transport and cycleways.
Continue to prioritise investment in roads
Spread resources evenly between roads and public transport/cycle lanes
Cut spending on roads and invest significantly in public transport and cycle lanes
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"There is no getting away from the fact that we will need to radically move away from car use. We need free frequent public transport not more road space for cars to fill and clog up. Electric private cars are not the answer either because of the Co2 used to create them. "

New petrol and diesel vehicles should be banned in the next ten years

The draft Climate Action Bill aims to ban the sale of new fossil fuel cars from 2030 in an effort to reduce emissions. Critics say that this is unrealistic.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"This is dependent on us really moving away from our dependence on private cars. And that can only be done through a huge increase in investment in public transport. In the main we need to be moving away from fossil fuel use."

Should carbon taxes be increased?

Carbon tax applies to fossil fuels, e.g. oil, petrol, diesel, gas. It recently increased from €20 to €26 per tonne of CO2. The Climate Change Advisory Council recommends a rapid increase (€80 per tonne by 2030). Critics say that carbon tax disproportionately impacts those on low incomes.
Increased significantly (reaching €80 per tonne by 2030)
Increased at a more moderate rate
No increases
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Carbon taxes on individuals is the wrong place to look to get the change we need. We have to challenge to the largest producers of C02 and that is some of the largest corporations in the world. A massive move to renewables means challenging the fossil fuel companies not taxing individuals."

There should be a tax on greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture

Agriculture is a key sector in the Irish economy. It is also responsible for 33% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Some have called for a new tax on greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, but opponents say that would be too damaging to the agri-food industry.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Agriculture covers everything from small farmers to the largest agricultural companies in the world. What we need to do is reduce the herd size. If we had a greenhouse gas emissions tax it would simply wipe out small farmers and be a business cost for large agri-businesses to pass on to consumers."

Immigration, moral and social issues

Should immigration into Ireland be made more restrictive or less restrictive?

Non-Irish nationals make up 12.7% of the population, most of whom came from the EU. Work permits are issued to people from other countries only with a well-paid job offer in certain occupations. Some say immigration puts pressure on services; while others say it is needed to tackle job shortages.
More restrictive
Stay the same
Less restrictive
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"We already have free movement of within the EU. We have the resources and land to have more people in this country, they are currently distributed poorly. We once had a population of over 8 million. People wanting to come here and not leave is a reversal of the story of Ireland for a long period. "

More resources should be given to improving conditions for asylum seekers

Asylum seekers are housed in Direct Provision centres. Some argue that conditions are poor and have a negative effect on the physical and mental health of residents. Others disagree and argue that improving conditions would cost too much and could attract more asylum seekers to Ireland.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"The current system for people claiming asylum is nothing short of a disgrace. Direct Provision should be abolished and refugees from some of the most dangerous places on earth should have the right to work while seeking asylum. "

The liberalisation of abortion in Ireland has gone too far

The legislation introduced after the 2018 referendum allows for terminations for any reason up to 12 weeks in a pregnancy. Terminations are only permitted after this date (and before the foetus becomes viable) if there is a serious risk to the health of the pregnant woman.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"There are still unnecessary restrictions on the right to chose. One thing that will be high on my agenda if re-elected is the issue of exclusion zones outside hospitals providing abortion services. The right to protest is very important but so is the right to health care. "

Small towns and villages should not be forced to accommodate asylum seekers

There are approximately 6,000 asylum seekers living in Ireland. Many are accommodated in or near small towns and villages, where it is easier to find private premises to use as Direct Provision centres. In some cases locals have opposed this on the grounds that their town might be overwhelmed.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Forced would imply that no consultation or increased services would go in to an area that was to increase in population. This is completely the wrong way to go about it and guaranteed to lead to issues. Communities should be consulted and the relevant services provided in towns and villages. "

The Church has too much control over Irish schools and hospitals

The Catholic Church runs a number of private hospitals. Most primary schools & many secondary schools are under the patronage of the Church. Some say the Church provides invaluable services in health and education, while others say that a Catholic ethos is being imposed against people’s wishes.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"I'm in favour of a complete separation of church and state. That would very much include schools and hospitals. It simply makes no sense that one religion should have so much control of essential services in this state."

Political and constitutional issues

The reunification of Ireland would create more problems than it would solve

Some people are opposed to the division of Ireland and believe that reunification should happen as soon as possible. Others disagree on the grounds that Unionists in Northern Ireland do not want it, or because they believe it would be too expensive for the Irish government.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"The reunification of Ireland would have to be a new Ireland. Not the current two failed states. It would have to be an Ireland for all traditions but not bound or dominated by any of them. I am in favour of a 32 county socialist republic. "

Irish citizens living abroad (including Northern Ireland) should have a vote in Presidential elections

A referendum on this has been proposed. Some argue that political participation should be a core aspect of citizenship, regardless of where you live. Others say that there are too many citizens living abroad, and that they may be out of touch with what is going on in Ireland.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"It should be a president for all citizens. Other countries give the vote to those who live abroad and I can't see any issue with us doing that too."

A referendum on Irish unity should be held during the lifetime of the next government

The Good Friday Agreement allows for a referendum in Northern Ireland & the Republic on a united Ireland, if there is evidence that unification is desired by a majority. Some say that, in light of Brexit, a border poll should be held soon. Others believe this would be premature and divisive.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"The current conditions probably mean that a referendum on Irish unity would be more divisive than healing at this time. However as a democrat and supporter of 32 county socialist Ireland I would campaign on those grounds if such a referendum was called. Post Brexit opens up new horizons however. "

The voting age should be lowered to 16

18 is the most common minimum voting age internationally, but some countries have reduced it to 16. Proponents argue that young people should have a say as it affects their future, while opponents argue that many 16-year-olds lack the maturity to vote responsibly.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Young people of 16 are well able to educate themselves on the issues that concern them. In fact some of the most engaged political people I meet are too young to currently vote. "

EU and international affairs

European integration has gone too far

Some people argue that the EU interferes too much in the affairs of member states, and powers should be returned to the national level. Others argue that further integration is necessary to tackle shared challenges and for economic stability.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"I wholeheartedly believe in co-operation between states. It'll be the only way to solve global problems. That is not fully what we have in the EU. We have a dominant core & a periphery of countries. Best seen when we were labelled PIGS. The EU as it is currently constituted needs complete reform."

Ireland should cooperate with other EU member states on defence

Ireland has recently joined the PESCO framework, which seeks to increase defence cooperation between EU states. It commits members to work together on military planning & increase defence spending. It does not create an EU army, but some oppose it because they see it as a step in that direction.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"The push from the EU to increase military spending through PESCO is a backdoor to an EU army and a sop to the arm industries. Ireland needs to maintain and strengthen our neutrality. "

Ireland should boycott Israeli goods produced in the occupied territories

A proposed law would make it an offence to import or sell goods originating in an occupied territory. Proponents say this will show solidarity with Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Critics say it discriminates unfairly against Israel, and could undermine important links with the US.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"The Palestinian people suffering under the apartheid regime of Israel called for BDS. I support that call. Boycott has historically been a strong non violent form of protest for oppressed people. It follows a long history in this country from the first boycott to the Dunnes workers for South Africa."