Is Government too big in this country?

[FutureTaoiseach]

Of course it's many times too big. The collapse in the public-finances has confirmed the unsustainability of a public-sector employing one in five of the working-population. The govt wants to raise taxes to pay for it, thereby sacrificing the productive part of the economy on the altar of Big Government, which is largely the unproductive part of the economy (other than the ESB, Bord Gáis, public-transport, Bord na Móna). And even in the case of those 4 companies, while they do contribute to the economy, they are extremely inefficient, and in some cases are actually contributing negatively to it, notably the ripoff merchants of the ESB and the Dublin-Bus monopoly. Massive privatisation is needed to raise revenues as well as to cut the public-sector pay-bill, which is costing us €20 billion this year - the same size as the projected deficit in 2009.

[euroboy]

The govt is not too big, in fact its getting smaller everyday. The only thing keeping the state alive is its borrowings. and people want the state to get even smaller by being unwilling to pay their 'fair share' of taxes and by demanding spending cuts.

each day, the size of the govt as a porton of the economy is getting smaller as tax revenues fall. in fact, unless taxes are substantially increased, our tax burden for 2009 will be under 20%. That means for every 100 euro created(or transferred into) in the economy, the state will only get 20 euro. that is far too small.

As for spending, that is far too small too, but everyone seems to have fallen into the trap of thinking the 'problem' is the gap between spending and tax revenue, and that that gap must be narrowed via small tax increases and spending cuts. In my view, the gap should only be filled by increased taxes. And then spend a bit more. we shuld be aiming for a govt spend of 60bn.

We need a tax system that is able to generate 53-58bn in taxes, not 32, not 34, not 38, not 40bn BUT 53-58bn. Out tax burden was far too low, even in the boom years, and as a result we now have such an unequal society, individualist, and lacking public services.

And since we are in a recession, govt capital spending must be increased.

Social welfare increases would also help, cos those people will spend rather than hoard onto cash. The mulplier affect of giving an extra 1 euro in social welfare/govt capital spending is far greater than the mulplier effect of taxing an additional 1 euro from incomes for what would be hoarded, otherwise. (given poor consumer confidence)

TAX and tax sustantially, that includes the rich and the poor. No-one in Ireland pays enough tax, and the survival of the state is dependant on that changing.

[Question R24U]

The govt is not too big, in fact its getting smaller everyday. The only thing keeping the state alive is its borrowings. and people want the state to get even smaller by being unwilling to pay their 'fair share' of taxes and by demanding spending cuts.

each day, the size of the govt as a porton of the economy is getting smaller as tax revenues fall. in fact, unless taxes are substantially increased, our tax burden for 2009 will be under 20%. That means for every 100 euro created(or transferred into) in the economy, the state will only get 20 euro. that is far too small.

As for spending, that is far too small too, but everyone seems to have fallen into the trap of thinking the 'problem' is the gap between spending and tax revenue, and that that gap must be narrowed via small tax increases and spending cuts. In my view, the gap should only be filled by increased taxes. And then spend a bit more. we shuld be aiming for a govt spend of 60bn.

We need a tax system that is able to generate 53-58bn in taxes, not 32, not 34, not 38, not 40bn BUT 53-58bn. Out tax burden was far too low, even in the boom years, and as a result we now have such an unequal society, individualist, and lacking public services.

And since we are in a recession, govt capital spending must be increased.

Social welfare increases would also help, cos those people will spend rather than hoard onto cash. The mulplier affect of giving an extra 1 euro in social welfare/govt capital spending is far greater than the mulplier effect of taxing an additional 1 euro from incomes for what would be hoarded, otherwise. (given poor consumer confidence)

TAX and tax sustantially, that includes the rich and the poor. No-one in Ireland pays enough tax, and the survival of the state is dependant on that changing.

Very interesting and alternative viewpoint. But what is wrong with privatising profitable semi states eg certain bus routes, esb international, save for the timing? Why would merging local authorities be so objectionable? Would most of the quangoes be missed?
Smaller goverment does not mean that there is no regulation, but higher penalties for breaches would be a good start.
I have no objection in thornton hall prison being put out to tender for it operation - but would that ever be considered?
Why can't government focus on the necessary eg police, the economies of scale eg new energy sources, the social duty to those with no options eg disability payments but not social housing for girls with kids, and the rest should be about supporting private sector.generate wealth and employment.

[Question R24U]

Of course it's many times too big. The collapse in the public-finances has confirmed the unsustainability of a public-sector employing one in five of the working-population. The govt wants to raise taxes to pay for it, thereby sacrificing the productive part of the economy on the altar of Big Government, which is largely the unproductive part of the economy (other than the ESB, Bord Gáis, public-transport, Bord na Móna). And even in the case of those 4 companies, while they do contribute to the economy, they are extremely inefficient, and in some cases are actually contributing negatively to it, notably the ripoff merchants of the ESB and the Dublin-Bus monopoly. Massive privatisation is needed to raise revenues as well as to cut the public-sector pay-bill, which is costing us €20 billion this year - the same size as the projected deficit in 2009.

One of the biggest challenges in the 21st Century will be energy. Why do people (and FG) want to see us sell off Bord Gas and ESB, which are strategically valuable and profitmaking?
state bodies sold off.

[Question R24U]

There are 81 links for Education listed on the government website.
Government Sites : education

Including:
(how many peopel could give a job description for these 5 without checking their website, about us and their mission statement?)
QualifaX : Irelands National Learners Database
Cogg - Homepage
HEAnet, Ireland's National Education & Research Network
NCGE : National Centre for Guidance in Education
AHEAD

and all these VECs
Government Sites : vec

Colm mcCarthy has exposed the education scam. He has proposed over 6500 cuts. Abolishing a few of the quangos and merging/abolishing half of the VECs.
To answer the thread question on his behalf. Yes. 17000
Surplus to requirements. Two government depts. 98 quangos. There is more room to cut as well.