Why I am leaving Ireland in 2019

Thestones · 03-12-2018 10:45pm

Sebastian Dangerfield wrote: »

5 years ago when I had no responsibilities there wouldnt have been any argument in the world that would make me even consider leaving Ireland. Now with 2 small kids, I would probably consider somewhere like Canada if the offer presented itself.

We bring in more money than I ever expected to earn and yet never seem to be able to get ahead. Stating that to anyone seems to be met with "sure arent there people worse off than you" - which is true of course, but is that now the standard we should all work towards?

We made the choice to buy a house and to have kids knowing theyd have to go into creche, no one forced us - but to me they are pretty basic choices that shouldnt be this hard to maintain from a financial / quality of life perspective. I dont see that changing any time soon, and having recently written to my TD and gotten a response Im surer that it wont. Irish politics seems to be forever limited to short term reactive measures.

So while I wont be rushing to book a flight, I get where the OP is coming from.

Yep agree with you. I've two kids and I stay at home so a bit different to your crèche situation but my husband earns a good salary, we don't have childcare costs and our mortgage is low but we still never have any money left at the end of month, taxes in this country are crippling! If something miscellaneous pops up we don't have spare funds for it. Politicians don't live in the real world with their highly inflated salaries and expenses, they just don't get it.

NIMAN · 03-12-2018 10:45pm

Stan27 wrote: »

I moved to Australia in 2017. Great country but I’ll always move home to Ireland

But I'm sure if you put your mind to it, you could provide us with a list of negatives about Australia.

TheValeyard · 03-12-2018 10:46pm

CinemaGuy45 wrote: »

You could go North.

North Sentinel Island

No tax there whatsoever and an idyllic unspoiled environment.

Yeah, but they are border control 2018 champions.

Mrcaramelchoc · 03-12-2018 10:50pm

You'll be back they always come back.the grass is always greener.you'll be back.

Turbohymac · 03-12-2018 10:53pm

Cannot find fault with any of the comments the op makes..especially the long term unemployed wasters who regularly draw down from the system even though we're now led to believe that were nearly running at 100%employment and will again need to start looking for employees from overseas to fill certain roles..why not either make these longterm unemployed people take up jobs and contribute to society or else cut off all state benefits .maybe let them in their state payed accommodation hate to see them homeless....they might cry discrimination.. as a nation yes were far too quiet..while lots work were far too chicken to protest about daylight crime..and sure we couldn't expect the politicians to comment negatively about any minority cheats..
Unfortunately yes I agree with everything op says either move out or stay quiet and work on.. but I don't agree with the comment about the irish being sound.. I'd feel much more in danger strolling round any irish city compared to France or Germany ..we've turned into a European Capitol sh.. hole big time and unfortunately many that give it this title are natives..

CrabRevolution · 03-12-2018 10:56pm

Your "facts" are a bit off.

On VRT the state doesn't make "billions" every year. Last years VRT was the highest take in 10 years and was still about 800 million. 5 Years ago it was only 300 million.

Also you're deliberately misrepresenting inheritance tax. It's true that a person can spend their lives working, earning and paying tax on money/assets/property etc. and may want to pass it on to their children.

But it's not the giver who gets the inheritance tax bill, it's the receiver. So nobody pays tax twice on the same thing. The giver pays tax once, and the receiver pays tax once. This "you're paying tax on something you already paid tax on" is boll*x.

Atoms for Peace · 03-12-2018 10:58pm

I wouldn't mind moving to a European city such as Berlin, but Im way too lazy to learn a language other than English.

The Rape of Lucretia · 03-12-2018 11:00pm

Richard Hillman wrote: »

Living standards are plummeting. Year in year out, the cost of living is exceeding inflation and wage increases.

Are they really though, overall?

For some people, you are probably right, but for many in the lower or subsidised income brackets, living standards have improved greatly. We live in a more equal society than years gone by. Which does mean standards have fallen for some, but that is a good thing, and a price worth paying.

klaaaz · 03-12-2018 11:03pm

theguzman wrote:

Ireland has Nordic Taxation levels

No it doesn't by a long shot. Moaning about taxes and yet the taxes are lower here than other European countries. Sweden has a 56% top marginal tax rate, Denmark is 60%. Belgium is 50%(plus a muncipal 7%), Netherlands is about 52% and don't try to own property or a car in the Netherlands, you'll be quickly crying to come back to Ireland in that case!

orourkeda1977 · 03-12-2018 11:06pm

theguzman wrote: »

I have decided to pack my bags in 2019 and leave Ireland, hopefully permanently.

The reason I am leaving is I no longer want to live in such regressive society where I am taxed into the ground. There is no incentive to do anything properly in the way I would like to do it.

Overall combined taxation rates are close to 80% and we don't get any useful public services.

Some quick facts below

VAT is 23%

Income tax is 20% on the first €43,550, 40% on earnings above this.

Mineral Oil Tax on Petrol is 54.1% plus Carbon Tax of 4.5% + VAT @ 23%
Mineral Oil Tax on Diesel is 42.5% plus Carbon Tax of 5.3% + VAT @ 23%

Stamp Duty is 1% of Purchase Price on purchase of a home on the first 1 million, 2% after first million.

Stamp Duty is 6% on all non Residential Property, e.g. Farmland or Commerical Property.

Universal Service Charge

Rate Income Band
0.5% Up to €12,012
2.5% From €12,012.01 to €19,372.00
4.75% From €19,372.01 to €70,044.00
8% From €70,044.01 to €100,000.00
8% Any PAYE income over €100,000
11% Non-PAYE (Self-employed) income over €100,000

Local Property Tax if you own your own home varies with most people having €300 to €600 of a levy to pay, depending on the value of your home.

Vehicle Registration Tax variesbut generates billions for the state each year on new and second hand cars imported from the UK.

CAT Inheritance tax is 33% So imagine you go through life and pay all these taxes and maybe save money and then you reach a point where you want to hand it over to your children or appointed heir, the state will then come along and take 33% of it off you, this is money which was prevsiouly taxed already.

There is many many more taxes which I haven't mentioned but the effective rate of tax is 80% and then you see people effectively working themselves into an early grave, busting their guts to keep the country moving for what?

With these levels of taxation you'd imagine we'd be living in a Socialist utopia,

Instead we have a total disgrace of a Health care system which exists as a dumping ground for the failed careers of Administrators. Nurses and Doctors who work here must be masochists to tolerate such a disaster.

Social Housing, there is thousands homeless, I don't care what their status or immigration documentations state, once again the money is there to fix this. If any of us drones who are paying these huge taxes fall on hard times the safety net is not there.

Public Transport, it might aswell not exist and where it does it is vastly over-priced.

Justice and Policing, neither exist other than to enforce these brutal taxation regimes, don't pay your taxes and you will likely spend longer in prison than a career thief or murderer. Rotating doors makes Ireland a criminals paradise.

Ireland has Nordic Taxation levels and developing country levels of public services.

Taxation is theft because you pay for nothing other than lies from corrupt politicians.

Why would a person bother working, you are better to draw welfare and have nothing to your name and just enjoy life because work does not pay in Ireland. I don't loathe these people, as a matter of fact I envy them. Why bother trying to do the right thing in Ireland when the Govt will tax it and take it away from you. Why bother respecting any law because you will not be punished.

See ya.

You'll soon find that the grass is never greener on the other side.

Youre just going to have to learn that lesson the hard way

mikemac2 · 03-12-2018 11:07pm

Atoms for Peace wrote: »

I wouldn't mind moving to a European city such as Berlin, but Im way too lazy to learn a language other than English.

Germans speak better English than most Irish people in my experience!

Wibbs · 03-12-2018 11:08pm

theguzman wrote: »

The reason I am leaving is I no longer want to live in such regressive society where I am taxed into the ground.

Complains about regressive societies, yet...

theguzman wrote: »

Probably Qatar

Jesus.

:D:pac:

Hey good luck to you, but pretty much no matter where you go in the world the locals are complaining about something and often with good reason. If you can stay long enough somewhere to earn enough cash before the grass is greener wears off then cool.

Rezident · 03-12-2018 11:11pm

Atoms for Peace wrote: »

I wouldn't mind moving to a European city such as Berlin, but Im way too lazy to learn a language other than English.

I love Berlin too. A friend of mine moved there over a year ago but she still hasn't been able to find a permanent job!

RobbingBandit · 03-12-2018 11:14pm

500 will come for every 1 that leaves gods save the European union it's the best union ever, well except that credit union in Cork the EU could learn a thing or two about pulling the wool over peoples eyes from those guys.

hmmm · 03-12-2018 11:15pm

All the talk is of even higher taxes to pay for the "entitlements" of certain groups. I've no doubt that yet again these taxes will fall on the mid to higher paid workers, and they'll probably have another go at raiding pensions.

mikemac2 · 03-12-2018 11:16pm

Please take Ray D'Arcy with you

He told the nation he was leaving also. Maybe he needs a push

Grayson · 03-12-2018 11:19pm

Atoms for Peace wrote: »

I wouldn't mind moving to a European city such as Berlin, but Im way too lazy to learn a language other than English.

I keep thinking about retiring in continental europe someday. Probably somewhere warmer.

I'd love to live somewhere in northern europe before that though.

_Kaiser_ · 03-12-2018 11:19pm

This will be unpopular but howandever...

It's hard to argue with the OP in many ways and some of the responses are just typical of people in this country - this unwavering blind allegiance to a country that in many ways is no better than some of the third world places we collectively like to look down on.

Yes we have a largely peaceful, politically stable (or I suppose you could also say stagnant) country with a generally liberal attitude to most things and those are certainly valuable and positive traits but there's so much else that is badly wrong too. This has become more evident in particularly the last few years with the lack of progress on key issues but the generally successful attempts to distract people with lots of easy-win social referenda instead.

There's the headline things like healthcare, tax, housing (whether it's too much or not enough) - all of which seem to be perpetually a problem that we never get meaningful traction on but there's more fundamental issues too... The parochial "me fein" attitudes that are only matched by the begrudgery and inability to accept anything or anyone that doesn't fit the Irish norms (all the "bye now" comments are evidence of that).

Add to that the half-assed "be grand" approach to pretty much everything (with predictable results) and people constantly trying to get one over on each other or "the man" (whether it be trying to get out of legitimate speeding tickets, or trying to find an angle to everything), and it's small wonder that things are the way they are really.
We get the politicians and system we deserve and it's unfortunately still a very accurate reflection of most of Irish society. We all give out about the latest political scandal or outrage but many privately admit that they'd do exactly the same things given half a chance, which is why it persists.

"Well if you don't like it, leave!" I hear all the indignant types shout. I've considered it in the past, but these days I have a child who I don't see enough as it is and I'm rapidly approaching my mid-40s so the chance has passed me by at this point anyway. That doesn't mean that I have to just accept that "it's how it is" though.

Could things be worse? Definitely, and a lot worse! But they could be a lot better too and to be fair we're only doing this "independence" stuff a hundred years and so we're still learning in many ways, but it would be great if we collectively started to objectively look at the flaws and the gaps and started to demand better of our society as a whole.

03-12-2018 11:19pm

Sure, Ireland sucks at times, buts it's my home for better or worse.
Never had any interest in leaving.

Best of luck to OP though.

MarkHenderson · 03-12-2018 11:20pm

theguzman wrote: »

I have decided to pack my bags in 2019 and leave Ireland, hopefully permanently.

The reason I am leaving is I no longer want to live in such regressive society where I am taxed into the ground. There is no incentive to do anything properly in the way I would like to do it.

Overall combined taxation rates are close to 80% and we don't get any useful public services.

Some quick facts below

VAT is 23%

Income tax is 20% on the first €43,550, 40% on earnings above this.

Mineral Oil Tax on Petrol is 54.1% plus Carbon Tax of 4.5% + VAT @ 23%
Mineral Oil Tax on Diesel is 42.5% plus Carbon Tax of 5.3% + VAT @ 23%

Stamp Duty is 1% of Purchase Price on purchase of a home on the first 1 million, 2% after first million.

Stamp Duty is 6% on all non Residential Property, e.g. Farmland or Commerical Property.

Universal Service Charge

Rate Income Band
0.5% Up to €12,012
2.5% From €12,012.01 to €19,372.00
4.75% From €19,372.01 to €70,044.00
8% From €70,044.01 to €100,000.00
8% Any PAYE income over €100,000
11% Non-PAYE (Self-employed) income over €100,000

Local Property Tax if you own your own home varies with most people having €300 to €600 of a levy to pay, depending on the value of your home.

Vehicle Registration Tax variesbut generates billions for the state each year on new and second hand cars imported from the UK.

CAT Inheritance tax is 33% So imagine you go through life and pay all these taxes and maybe save money and then you reach a point where you want to hand it over to your children or appointed heir, the state will then come along and take 33% of it off you, this is money which was prevsiouly taxed already.

There is many many more taxes which I haven't mentioned but the effective rate of tax is 80% and then you see people effectively working themselves into an early grave, busting their guts to keep the country moving for what?

With these levels of taxation you'd imagine we'd be living in a Socialist utopia,

Instead we have a total disgrace of a Health care system which exists as a dumping ground for the failed careers of Administrators. Nurses and Doctors who work here must be masochists to tolerate such a disaster.

Social Housing, there is thousands homeless, I don't care what their status or immigration documentations state, once again the money is there to fix this. If any of us drones who are paying these huge taxes fall on hard times the safety net is not there.

Public Transport, it might aswell not exist and where it does it is vastly over-priced.

Justice and Policing, neither exist other than to enforce these brutal taxation regimes, don't pay your taxes and you will likely spend longer in prison than a career thief or murderer. Rotating doors makes Ireland a criminals paradise.

Ireland has Nordic Taxation levels and developing country levels of public services.

Taxation is theft because you pay for nothing other than lies from corrupt politicians.

Why would a person bother working, you are better to draw welfare and have nothing to your name and just enjoy life because work does not pay in Ireland. I don't loathe these people, as a matter of fact I envy them. Why bother trying to do the right thing in Ireland when the Govt will tax it and take it away from you. Why bother respecting any law because you will not be punished.

Bank debt interest repayments. It's easy to blame things on a small minority on welfare but i find it gas nobody ever mentions it.

Franz Von Peppercorn · 03-12-2018 11:21pm

klaaaz wrote: »

No it doesn't by a long shot. Moaning about taxes and yet the taxes are lower here than other European countries. Sweden has a 56% top marginal tax rate, Denmark is 60%. Belgium is 50%(plus a muncipal 7%), Netherlands is about 52% and don't try to own property or a car in the Netherlands, you'll be quickly crying to come back to Ireland in that case!

Those are a few percentages off the top marginal tax here (incl prsi and usc). And clearly they get more in return.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 03-12-2018 11:32pm

dhaughton99 wrote: »

Good read. It’s also kind of a **** hole. Manky weather, dirty, too many ****heads.

Except yourself, of course.

P_1 · 03-12-2018 11:36pm

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

This will be unpopular but howandever...

It's hard to argue with the OP in many ways and some of the responses are just typical of people in this country - this unwavering blind allegiance to a country that in many ways is no better than some of the third world places we collectively like to look down on.

Yes we have a largely peaceful, politically stable (or I suppose you could also say stagnant) country with a generally liberal attitude to most things and those are certainly valuable and positive traits but there's so much else that is badly wrong too. This has become more evident in particularly the last few years with the lack of progress on key issues but the generally successful attempts to distract people with lots of easy-win social referenda instead.

There's the headline things like healthcare, tax, housing (whether it's too much or not enough) - all of which seem to be perpetually a problem that we never get meaningful traction on but there's more fundamental issues too... The parochial "me fein" attitudes that are only matched by the begrudgery and inability to accept anything or anyone that doesn't fit the Irish norms (all the "bye now" comments are evidence of that).

Add to that the half-assed "be grand" approach to pretty much everything (with predictable results) and people constantly trying to get one over on each other or "the man" (whether it be trying to get out of legitimate speeding tickets, or trying to find an angle to everything), and it's small wonder that things are the way they are really.
We get the politicians and system we deserve and it's unfortunately still a very accurate reflection of most of Irish society. We all give out about the latest political scandal or outrage but many privately admit that they'd do exactly the same things given half a chance, which is why it persists.

"Well if you don't like it, leave!" I hear all the indignant types shout. I've considered it in the past, but these days I have a child who I don't see enough as it is and I'm rapidly approaching my mid-40s so the chance has passed me by at this point anyway. That doesn't mean that I have to just accept that "it's how it is" though.

Could things be worse? Definitely, and a lot worse! But they could be a lot better too and to be fair we're only doing this "independence" stuff a hundred years and so we're still learning in many ways, but it would be great if we collectively started to objectively look at the flaws and the gaps and started to demand better of our society as a whole.

Not unpopular at all though likely containing a few home truths that might be tough to swallow in certain quarters.

I wonder if this is a result of us becoming more international in our outlooks? For example seeing how things work in other countries and wondering, "it works there, why can it not work here?"

hill16bhoy · 03-12-2018 11:52pm

Given that the OP has stated they are pro-Irexit and anti-freedom of movement, it'd be tremendously ironic if they planned to move to another EU country.

Given that the OP has stated they are anti-immigration, it's tremendously ironic they're planning to emigrate at all.

I do hope the "way of life" in whatever country they go to survives their arrival, given that "survival of our way of life" (whatever that is) is one of their stated reasons for being anti-immigration.

whisky_galore · 04-12-2018 12:14am

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

This will be unpopular but howandever...

It's hard to argue with the OP in many ways and some of the responses are just typical of people in this country - this unwavering blind allegiance to a country that in many ways is no better than some of the third world places we collectively like to look down on.

Yes we have a largely peaceful, politically stable (or I suppose you could also say stagnant) country with a generally liberal attitude to most things and those are certainly valuable and positive traits but there's so much else that is badly wrong too. This has become more evident in particularly the last few years with the lack of progress on key issues but the generally successful attempts to distract people with lots of easy-win social referenda instead.

There's the headline things like healthcare, tax, housing (whether it's too much or not enough) - all of which seem to be perpetually a problem that we never get meaningful traction on but there's more fundamental issues too... The parochial "me fein" attitudes that are only matched by the begrudgery and inability to accept anything or anyone that doesn't fit the Irish norms (all the "bye now" comments are evidence of that).

Add to that the half-assed "be grand" approach to pretty much everything (with predictable results) and people constantly trying to get one over on each other or "the man" (whether it be trying to get out of legitimate speeding tickets, or trying to find an angle to everything), and it's small wonder that things are the way they are really.
We get the politicians and system we deserve and it's unfortunately still a very accurate reflection of most of Irish society. We all give out about the latest political scandal or outrage but many privately admit that they'd do exactly the same things given half a chance, which is why it persists.

"Well if you don't like it, leave!" I hear all the indignant types shout. I've considered it in the past, but these days I have a child who I don't see enough as it is and I'm rapidly approaching my mid-40s so the chance has passed me by at this point anyway. That doesn't mean that I have to just accept that "it's how it is" though.

Could things be worse? Definitely, and a lot worse! But they could be a lot better too and to be fair we're only doing this "independence" stuff a hundred years and so we're still learning in many ways, but it would be great if we collectively started to objectively look at the flaws and the gaps and started to demand better of our society as a whole.

Imho, the "it'll be grand'" mindset is at once charming and crippling at the same time. It's the reason why health, housing and planning of any sort are fcuking dire. The vain expectation that it will all somehow work out in the end.

The rebellious side of our nature can turn into all kinds of selfish and self-serving behaviour, high up and low down... cute hoorism, stroke pulling and working the system. Feather your own nest and fcuk everyone else and society as a whole.

04-12-2018 12:20am

The good ship Brexit Britain is sailing next year OP. Take care though.....

bazz26 · 04-12-2018 12:21am

Murray TheDemonic TalkingSkull wrote: »

Yeah, but they are border control 2018 champions.

And they don't need to build a wall either.

_Kaiser_ · 04-12-2018 12:22am

P_1 wrote: »

Not unpopular at all though likely containing a few home truths that might be tough to swallow in certain quarters.

I wonder if this is a result of us becoming more international in our outlooks? For example seeing how things work in other countries and wondering, "it works there, why can it not work here?"

I think there's certainly an element of that, even more frustrating given that we do already copy a lot of ideas and policies from elsewhere (usually the UK) but also repeat the same mistakes they did or give it enough of an "Irish twist" that it makes the situation worse.

I think ultimately it comes down to the lazy, apathetic and half-assed "be grand" approach I mentioned . Nothing is ever done with the long term in mind, everything is reactive, and always with the "what's in it for me" mindset. We don't think big picture and rarely beyond the boundaries of our own locale. This is why we have supposedly national TD's completely beholden to local interests - and of course a whole (largely redundant) local government infrastructure on top so the hangers on can get a piece of the pie as well.

The waste, the corruption, disinterest, and the outright incompetence is staggering in this country and it poisons everything - public services, core infrastructure projects, political behaviour... And yet we tolerate it and even expect it.

As you said, in many cases it's not even having to invent the wheel, it's making it turn properly and yet we generally can't even manage that.

j8wk2feszrnpao · 04-12-2018 12:28am

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

It's hard to argue with the OP in many way

People aren't disagreeing eith some of the issues the OP has, but he's seems to be blind to the fact that his opinion is probably reflected in most counties, esp in relation to taxation (just look at France). He's having a moan.... and to be honest, I imagine that's as far as he'll actually go.

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

a country that in many ways is no better than some of the third world places we collectively like to look down on.

You need to examine some of those countries if you think we are no better. We have issues, no doubt. But in terms of places to live, esp if you want to start looking at 3rd World countries, we (generally speaking) are very fortunate (and it shouldn't be taken for granted) to have been born in Ireland.

Pinch Flat · 04-12-2018 12:30am

Can’t wait to see OPs post about Qatar in a few months. I’m sure it’ll all be grand. The craic will be 90 over there.

limnam · 04-12-2018 12:37am

NIMAN wrote: »

But I'm sure if you put your mind to it, you could provide us with a list of negatives about Australia.

Too fckn hot!

All those arseholes in thier GAA tops!

theguzman · 04-12-2018 12:40am

Pinch Flat wrote: »

Can’t wait to see OPs post about Qatar in a few months. I’m sure it’ll all be grand. The craic will be 90 over there.

I'm a serious person, getting scuttered drunk is not something I do, the two last times I went to a pub was to take part in a quiz or for pub grub. I have traveled extensively around the world and actively avoid Irish people due their toxic relationship with Alcohol, my partner is not Irish and I have a different viewpoint to alot of Irish people on many things. Mediocrity is celebrated here whilst success is vilified.

wakka12 · 04-12-2018 12:41am

Must be trolling if somebody thinks qatar is a better place to live..qatar and many of its neighbouring gulf states are everything a country shouldnt be.. completely excessive and wasteful in every aspect and totally morally bankrupt

04-12-2018 12:42am

theguzman wrote: »

I'm a serious person, getting scuttered drunk is not something I do, the two last times I went to a pub was to take part in a quiz or for pub grub. I have traveled extensively around the world and actively avoid Irish people due their toxic relationship with Alcohol, my partner is not Irish and I have a different viewpoint to alot of Irish people on many things. Mediocrity is celebrated here whilst success is vilified.

your grammar is mediocre fyi

j8wk2feszrnpao · 04-12-2018 12:44am

theguzman wrote: »

getting scuttered drunk is not something I do

The craic doesn't have to mean getting scuttered drunk.

theguzman wrote: »

Mediocrity is celebrated here whilst success is vilified.

What a generalizing load of b@ll@x.

igCorcaigh · 04-12-2018 12:45am

Money isn't everything. Points about lack of comeback from our taxes are very valid of course.

But to not care about the broader society you live in, to the extent that one would consider ditching this society for one like Qatar?

That seems very 'I'm alright Jack' to me.
Best of luck OP. Hope you enjoy the low tax lifestyle

04-12-2018 12:50am

Anyone as desperately unhappy in Ireland as the OP won't be long at all being desperately unhappy in the next place.

I'd say good luck but...you make your own luck or you make your own excuses ime. OP seems to have a long list of the latter as to why the country that educated, fed and housed him done him so wrong.

KevinCavan · 04-12-2018 12:55am

Housing is the the biggest issue here at the moment. Don’t own a house and ur fcuked, paying extortionate rent and unable to save a deposit. I don’t blame anybody who’s renting wanting to leave. It can feel like the government doesn’t care about average Joe here in Ireland. It is true that we get very little bang for our buck when it comes to the taxes we pay. In other countries childcare, dental care and medical care are all provided for free or heavily subsidized, by governments that use tax money wisely.

Pinch Flat · 04-12-2018 12:55am

theguzman wrote: »

I'm a serious person, getting scuttered drunk is not something I do, the two last times I went to a pub was to take part in a quiz or for pub grub. I have traveled extensively around the world and actively avoid Irish people due their toxic relationship with Alcohol, my partner is not Irish and I have a different viewpoint to alot of Irish people on many things. Mediocrity is celebrated here whilst success is vilified.

I didn’t mention anything about alcohol...

engiweirdo · 04-12-2018 1:00am

Because my hometown is ****e and the rest of Ireland is incredibly poor value.

Geuze · 04-12-2018 1:02am

theguzman wrote: »

You will work all your life in Ireland, possibly have children or not, but if you want to give whatever you saved to your heir they will pay 33%, in the US and other countries they would pay zero.

There are CAT exemptions in Ireland

Parents to children is exempt up to 320k per child.

So most children pay zero CAT on inheritance.

j8wk2feszrnpao · 04-12-2018 1:03am

KevinCavan wrote: »

Housing is the the biggest issue here at the moment.

Not a situation unique to Ireland. I have work colleges in Germany and the UK; major issues there as well (probably reflected in any economy that suffered the housing bust).

Richard Hillman · 04-12-2018 1:03am

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

Are they really though, overall?

For some people, you are probably right, but for many in the lower or subsidised income brackets, living standards have improved greatly. We live in a more equal society than years gone by. Which does mean standards have fallen for some, but that is a good thing, and a price worth paying.

I disagree. If you're on a low wage you're living standards have dropped. Income tax drops have been miniscule. Whereas the likes of rent, public transport costs and the sneaky taxes have been rising.

With minimum wage rates rising too, full time workers generally used to get 39hours. It's very rare to see that now. You're lucky to get 37.5hrs now and I have been seeing lots of jobs ranging from 30-35 hours.

When you look at the last budget specifically, if you're on €10ph with 37.5hrs contract, the budget gave you €3 per year. €12ph gets you €24 per year. €15ph gets you €37 per year. Those increases alone are wiped out by public transport increases and that's before general price inflation.

And you fancy a can of coke during your lunch break, you'll be paying more for that. Fancy a couple of cans of beer at the end of the week, that'll cost you.

I would imagine it was probably a similar story the previous year re miniscule tax breaks and cost of living.

Geuze · 04-12-2018 1:04am

Richard Hillman wrote: »

Living standards are plummeting. .

Where?

Not in Ireland.

theguzman · 04-12-2018 1:06am

Geuze wrote: »

There are CAT exemptions in Ireland

Parents to children is exempt up to 320k per child.

So most children pay zero CAT on inheritance.

€320k is really not a lot of money or wealth in terms or property nowadays and Inheritance tax should be got rid of in all shapes and forms, of all the taxes I loath this is number one as it will directly hammer me very hard, and my children (future) also.

I don't know how anyone could defend the taxation of passing what you have to your loved one.

Geuze · 04-12-2018 1:08am

theguzman wrote: »

Ireland has Nordic Taxation levels and developing country levels of public services.

Taxation is theft because you pay for nothing other than lies from corrupt politicians.

Ireland does not have Nordic levels of taxation.

For example, my parents pay <10% on 50k income, that is much lower than Nordic rates.

Geuze · 04-12-2018 1:09am

theguzman wrote: »

€320k is really not a lot of money or wealth in terms or property nowadays and Inheritance tax should be got rid of in all shapes and forms, of all the taxes I loath this is number one as it will directly hammer me very hard, and my children (future) also.

It is a tax that gets people thinking and talking, yes.

The 33% rate is too high, in my opinion.

theguzman · 04-12-2018 1:10am

Geuze wrote: »

Ireland does not have Nordic levels of taxation.

For example, my parents pay <10% on 50k income, that is much lower than Nordic rates.

If you combine every form of direct and indirect tax, plus other Government charges you will really be disgusted. Income tax is just one tax. I would actually speculate that you'd pay less in the Nordic Countries, but irregardless whatever you pay you are receiving something in return unlike here.

whisky_galore · 04-12-2018 1:13am

munstermagic11 wrote: »

Not a situation unique to Ireland. I have work colleges in Germany and the UK; major issues there as well (probably reflected in any economy that suffered the housing bust).

Classic cop-out line.
Because it's not great either in country (a), (b) or (c), we can't be arsed improving our lot. Learned helplessness.

rossie1977 · 04-12-2018 1:13am

NIMAN wrote: »

But I'm sure if you put your mind to it, you could provide us with a list of negatives about Australia.

Cost of living is far higher in Australia than here for one.
Rent/house prices in Sydney/Melbourne higher than Dublin
Its 22 hours from Ireland minimum flying time so not somewhere out can just fly home for weekend
Full of nasties to a point you freak out over every spider you see thinking are going to kill you

Kangaroos don't follow rules of the road, locals even tell you speed up if you know you can't avoid one.

Why I am leaving Ireland in 2019

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