The petition
Dear Mr. Taoiseach,
We, the undersigned, represent a large electorate in the state of Ireland. An electorate which is constantly discriminated against, both verbally and financially. We are the housewives of Ireland. Many of us are highly educated, holding third level or graduate degrees, and fully capable of profitable employment. Yet, the tax structure has been skewed against us due to a false perception. This is the perception that we are not housewives by choice; that we are forced into our occupation through lack of education, motivation, or affordable childare.
Research proves that children with a parent as the primary carer are brighter, better behaved and more socially stable than children in other situations. Making the choice to be a housewife is our way of ensuring the future of our children. Doesn't this have an effect on our society, and even our prosperity as a nation?
A working woman automatically receives a PAYE tax credit of EUR 1,760 in 2007 while a stay-at-home mother will receive the carers credit of only EUR 770. This is a difference of EUR 990. A family with only one parent working pays standard tax of 20% up to a maximum income of EUR 43,000, whereas a family with two parents working can pay standard tax up to EUR 68,000. This implies that the government believes that a family with a stay-at home-parent is better off; that this parent is home because they can afford to be, not because they chose to be. This is quite simply not the case. Many mothers choose to stay at home despite the loss of financial freedom, often choosing to live on a shoestring budget with just their spouse/partner working, because they know it is the right choice for their children. They make a sacrifice, which one would think the government would recognise as noble, but alas they are penalized for making an incredibly important decision.
We urge you to rethink your policies towards housewives. Advertisers have long known the value of housewives as a group. The government should consider that as a large and intelligent group of voting women that controls the household spending we have a substantial impact on the economy and social realms of this country. In particular we ask the following:
1. Increase the "home carers allowance" so that it is equal to the PAYE credit of a working woman.
2. Adjust the tax band system so that housewives are not penalised for staying at home.
3. Dedicate resources to research our views and situations to foster a better understanding of our role in--and contribution to--Irish society.
We urge you to consider these initiatives and to recognize this formidable group of women. In today's Ireland, housewives deserve better.
Kindest Regards,
The Undersigned.
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