Reforming Tax and Welfare. ESRI Policy Series No. 42. October 2001

Callan, T. and Keeney, M. and Nolan, B. and Walsh, J. (2001) Reforming Tax and Welfare. ESRI Policy Series No. 42. October 2001. [Policy Paper]

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Abstract

Questions about the equitable distribution of the fruits of economic growth have come to the fore in recent years, as rapid growth has continued. The title of the most recent partnership agreement - Programme for Prosperity and Fairness reflects this trend. Government policy, as expressed in the National Anti­ Poverty Strategy, contains commitments to assess proposed policy changes with respect to their impact on poverty ("poverty­ proofing"). But there are also concerns about the impact of tax policy changes, in terms of the balance between gains for the low­ paid, middle income earners, and high income earners. At the same time, the continuation of rapid growth cannot be taken for granted. One of the factors which has contributed to recent growth is the improvement in financial work incentives associated with changes in tax and welfare policy.

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