Cut taxes on domestic bills to ease blow of rising prices

SO we have been warned: our food prices will increase as a result of the drought and the effects of EU tariffs on US imports, and our energy and fuel bills are already rising for the best possible reason that international fuel costs are rising.

We are now told that for many under-pressure family budgets all of these could be the final straw, particularly as winter is only a few months away.

What can we humble taxpayers and consumers do about it? We can’t influence price increases of farmed foods in the absence of rain; we can’t influence the EU imposition of tariffs designed to teach US president Donald Trump a lesson in a petulant response that will be wasted upon him.

But think: What is the largest part of the cost of the fuel to take us to work in our cars? What is the VAT and PSO levy on our electricity, gas, and domestic oil bills?

Every time the suppliers up the price of their product the State gains in VAT and levies.

And, we are told, the Exchequer is already way ahead of financial projections for the year to date.

So then, let the State start to reduce its stealth taxes and levies on energy, and taxes on taxes, so that at least energy and fuel costs more-or-less stabilise.

Ah no! Can’t do that because such a provision could only be introduced in the October Budget, and that would involve endless posturing debates in the Dáil.

I wonder what is the purpose of a finance minister if he can only propose a strategy every October? It seems that he can find many ways to slip a bit more money out of the people’s pockets at any time of the year, but it needs legislation to give any of it back!

ANTHONY MANSER, Faithlegg, Co. Waterford.

Bring back Browne

AS part of the presidential election there will probably be a televised debate.

If this be so then that debate should be completely independently produced and presented. It should contain as observers a group of neutral referees to ensure that it is balanced and fair.

Questions asked to one candidate should in turn be asked of all candidates.

It should be televised without a studio audience, thus allowing the public to judge the candidates.

A person of the calibre of Vincent Browne would be one who I would choose.

HARRY MULHERN, Dublin.

Eamon for clarity

POOR old Eamon Dunphy. Before the quarter-finals of the World Cup he nominated France as the most likely outright winners on TV3’s Tonight Show.

But then on RTÉ after their victory over Argentina, he suggested that they would not win out.

Before the semi-final against Belgium, Dunphy predicted a French defeat before offering a different opinion at half-time.

Surely after making a prediction, a pundit should be prepared to stick by his convictions. It will be interesting to hear which way he sees the final going on Sunday. LEON COOGAN, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.

Thank you, team

WELL done to the Frail Intervention Therapy team at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. My mum was treated at the hospital for hip pain recently. The FIT team worked hard to ensure best possible care for my mum.

On discharge, an occupational therapist arrived at her home within the hour. She recommended changes needed for her recovery and gave excellent advice. A nurse from the team visited the same day and the support continued for the next few days.

It was wonderful that all this timely care could be given in the home where my mum felt comfortable and relaxed. I was sad to learn this is a pilot project as I believe it to be an excellent one.