No, inheritance tax is perfectly fair

Sir — I was incredulous that the letter of the week (Sunday Independent, September 16) was from someone whinging about the possibility of paying inheritance tax at a rate of 33pc (not 100pc) above any inheritance they may receive above €310,000. That’s €310,000 per person, not per estate. Three people inheriting an estate worth €930,000 would pay no inheritance tax and each receive €310,000.

Given all the problems Ireland faces — in housing, health, education, social care and travel, and in a country that still can’t build a National Children’s Hospital — are there really people who think the most pressing issue is action to reduce a tax bill for people who have a cheque for €310,000 lodged to their bank account?

I understand why the writer didn’t want their name or locality published. It’s not because people would think they were rich, but rather because people would be astounded at how out of touch and tone deaf they are.

Especially when the State has utterly failed to tackle a housing problem but responds with the speed of light to get masked gardai to violently remove occupants from an empty building.

Inheritance tax is not too high; it’s too low. The problem isn’t the level of tax, it’s the attitude of those it applies to and of a State unwilling and unable to meet the needs of its citizens by using funds collected by taxes.

Anyone who inherits more than €310,000 should be glad to write a cheque for 33pc of any amount above that level (and keep the extra 67pc) and then engage their brain when they vote to ensure that the money they paid to the State doesn’t sink into a black hole but is used for the good of all citizens. Especially those who work hard and honestly but were never given access to the silver spoon.

Desmond FitzGerald, Canary Wharf, London