SBP editorial: Tax breaks are a good servant, but a bad master

Last week, this newspaper reported on a series of proposals by Fianna Fáil to help solve Ireland’s housing crisis. The proposals included cutting the Vat rate for the construction industry to 9 per cent for up to three years, reduced development levies for builders and cuts to planning and certification costs. The plan also suggested tax incentives and reliefs for builders and developers who provide affordable homes.

The proposals were criticised by a ...