Outrage as Taoiseach's constituency office exempt from rates - while charities pay thousands

national | anti-capitalism | other press Monday January 21, 2013 03:57 by lefty

Scandalous situation. Charity shops belonging to altruistic organisations such as St Vincent De Paul and Oxfam, helping the disadvantaged are expected to pay thousands in rates while the cushy offices of the Taoiseach, currently screwing the disadvantaged, are totally exempt.

The independent is running another story highlighting the cruelty and inequity of our system. As an example of our two tier society, this is a pretty good one. Our political class get away with it again while voluntary organisations staving off the very worst consequences of FG austerity measures to pay foreign bank gambling debts, for the most disadvantaged in society are totally screwed by huge commercial rates bills. Meanwhile Europe's best paid (but worst??) politicians get a free ride on their rates bill.

There truly is no justice in this country!

Quote:
"
CHARITY shops in the Taoiseach's home town of Castlebar are facing demands for thousands of euro in commercial rates – but Enda Kenny's constituency office is exempt from the charge.

In a lucrative perk introduced some years ago as part of the national valuation regulations, TDs' offices are exempt from the rates.

But in Castlebar, Co Mayo, charities such as the St Vincent de Paul and Oxfam have rates charged on their premises at the same rate as other commercial premises. The same rules apply to charity shops all over Ireland run by organisations like Age Action Ireland, Aware, Barnardos and the Irish Cancer Society.

"It is outrageous that the Taoiseach's lavish constituency HQ is a freebie for Enda Kenny as far as rates are concerned while Oxfam and other charities are being crucified," complained local independent councillor Frank Durkan."

Full story here:
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/outrage-as-taoi....html