Donegal’s Independent TD Thomas Pringle says the €13 billion Apple tax bill could have transformed public service and Donegal’s most pressing problems.
Deputy Pringle is calling on the government to make crucial choices to “support the people in Budget 2025”.
Deputy Pringle said: “It is a disgrace that the Government had been fighting the €13 billion Apple tax bill, when it should have been fighting for the people.
“That money could have transformed public service. It could have gone to a host of pressing issues that would directly benefit the public, including 100% redress for people affected by defective blocks, healthcare, education and housing.”
On the Future Ireland Fund, Pringle said: “The State has already salted away about €100 billion that should also be used to address these issues as well.
“It’s not that we don’t have the money anymore. As we have seen over and over, there is no political will. This has been a clear reminder of who this Government is really fighting for.
“We never see multinational executives march in our streets to get what they want from Government. Yet time and time again we have seen families, people from all our communities having to take to the streets to have their voices heard.
“We have also seen in the past that while domestic businesses regularly pay the full percentage of corporation tax, many multinationals do not. Corporate giants must stop exploiting tax loopholes and give back to the societies they profit from. And we need a government that will make sure that happens.
“In Budget 2024 we saw missed opportunities and a number of once-off payments that do nothing to support struggling people and families in the long term. The people deserve better in Budget 2025.
“We have the money. What we need is the political will,” he said.