239. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the work being carried out by his Department to ensure that citizens have access to robust and detailed financial analysis regarding the implications of a potential united Ireland, including disparities in taxation, public spending and fiscal transfers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24950/26]

Sentiment score: 0.26

For me, it is really about ensuring that citizens are properly informed. Any decision must be grounded in credible, transparent and accessible financial analysis. I know various independent academic studies are being carried out and some already exist but I do not think there is any single authoritative, State-led body of work. There are a number of areas where clarity is essential, including taxation; the difference between tax bases North and South around income tax, corporation tax and indirect taxes; public spending around health; social protection measures; public services; and the complex area of fiscal transfers, such as the extent of subvention currently provided by the UK. These are complex issues. Other jurisdictions facing future constitutional or structural change have invested in serious, evidence-based preparatory work and there is no reason we should not do the same so that citizens can make that informed decision at the appropriate time.

Sentiment score: 0.07

It is important to acknowledge that a lot of analysis has already been done and is likely to be done but it is fragmented and very technical. It comes back to that overarching point I am making, which is that it is not easily understood by the general public. It is so important that information is collated in a way that is coherent and user-friendly and uses easy-to-understand language. Should we commission some kind of centralised, cross-departmental assessment that would publish regular updates and ensure that information is presented in a clear and non-specialist way? It is really about informing democratic discussion. It is not about prejudging any outcome. Without this, there is real risk that the public debate becomes shaped by partial information or competing claims.

Sentiment score: 0.08