Dear Editor,
With our initial taste of the Apple issue, one might ask how long we can persist in this proverbial Eden.
What is undeniable is that there are numerous positive aspects about Ireland and its leadership, however, their prowess in managing both large and small scale projects appears to be wanting. From e-voting to Ppars, the children’s hospital to bike storage, delivering cost-effective projects appears to be a foreign idea to our government.
A random turning of thoughts leads me to wonder: could the Apple tax settlement be the potential solution to this apparent incompetence? Could we not invite Apple to offset the owed tax debt through tangible resources and expertise instead? This tech giant possesses the precise knowledge and skill-set which our nation desperately needs. A €13 billion tax debt could purchase a significantly large amount of technology, advice, skills, and infrastructure, potentially transforming our public services into a digitised system with the likes of Apple at the helm of it. For instance, recall the Ppars project; an attempt to digitalise health service salaries that ended up costing around €200 million before it was discarded. If Apple took on a similar project, its scope and objectives could be clearly articulated, providing the company with the motivation for a swift completion.
We need to deal with the ever-expanding pile of paper-filled files and documents as our population grows and our society becomes progressively more legislative.
On a side note, if we never had the €13 billion to begin with, then perhaps we won’t feel its loss. We could potentially consider redirecting the entire sum towards alleviating the despairing poverty in the developing world.
Yours Sincerely,
[correspondent names]
Dear Editor,
With a nod to Bertie’s characteristic expressions, one can note the irony behind stirring up trouble that, in turn, amplifies economic prosperity. After all, would it not make the prosperous era appear ‘boomer’?
Sincerely,
CHRIS FITZPATRICK,
Dublin 6.
Dear Editor,
Ireland, year after year, experiences an influx of hundreds of billions that go untaxed. Nor does the taxation apply in nations where our commodities find the market, including those desperately in need of economic growth. As a result, we strip these countries of vital institutions like hospitals, housing, schools and social welfare programmes.
No matter how much we dismiss it nationally, our long-lasting role as a significant tax haven will persist in the annals of numerous countries.
Sincerely,
PAUL CONNOLLY,
Cavan.
Dear Editor,
Considering the Defence Forces’ precarious condition with a dire lack of basic technical equipment such as counter-drone, air defence systems and suitable air-policing aircraft, the allocation of even just €1 billion from the Apple windfall could result in vital defence enhancements.
By acknowledging like all EU nations the need for bolstering defence expenditure in response to escalating security threats, the Government has the opportunity to reverse years of neglect, and significantly boost our Defence Forces, hence enhancing national defence and security.
Sincerely,
CONOR HOGARTY,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Dear Editor,
While there is considerable debate around the usage of Apple tax’s €14 billion, one must not forget the dormant approximately €150 billion, over ten times the Apple tax, of Irish households savings in deposit accounts drawing paltry or no interest. This money lies in wait for the Government to establish a flexible savings plan offering a reasonable interest rate and enabling State investment in our future, specifically housing and climate mitigation measures, all without resorting to foreign loans.
Sincerely,
MARGARET QUINLAN,
Ballymacarbry,
Co Waterford.
Gentlemen, − Once the Irish treasury finally secures ownership of Apple’s tax profit, everyone from John Doe to Jane Smith will be seeking their piece of the monetary pot. However, will the treasurer stand their ground, steadfastly denying any particular petition, particularly from those with a significant selfish interest? Or will they disregard prudence, generously handing out the public funds? Only the future can reveal this. – Yours sincerely,
Paul Delaney,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.
Gentlemen, – One wonders if Apple turnovers are served at the Dáil restaurant. – Yours sincerely,
Ciana Campbell,
Ennis,
Co Clare.
Gentlemen,– Pertaining to the query of how to allocate Apple’s funds, rushing into a decision would undoubtedly be unwise. – Yours sincerely,
Alastair Conan,
Coulsdon,
London.
It is my belief that a slice of the cash should be allocated towards aiding the young ones who suffered mental health degradation due to lockdowns and school shutdowns. A subject which is due to cycle back into our news upon the launch of the Covid investigation. – Yours sincerely,
Ken Cowley,
Fribourg,
Switzerland.