"Popular media debate would have us all believe that the crisis in the public finances arises because public expenditure went out of control. Did it? It is very debatable whether Ireland used its new found wealth wisely but it should also be noted that Ireland’s population grew during the noughties; Ireland was playing catch-up on previous poor investment in public facilities and services; Irish people’s expectations of services and how they ought to be delivered also grew. Ireland’s efforts to address these issues were not undertaken on a sustainable tax base but one driven by consumption taxes." You can read the rest of the INOU's Pre-Budget Submission here. Comments?
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