Sir, – The Irish passport is ranked fifth best among global passports according to the Guide Passport Ranking Index as it allows visa-free access to 189 destinations. It also affords benefits while travelling throughout the EU to non-Irish residents and we provide a reasonably liberal application system.
Of the one million passports issued so far this year, I wonder how many were issued for “personal convenience” only?
Given the substantial benefits available to Irish passport holders, I suggest we follow the example of the United States, which requires all their citizens to pay US income tax on their world income, regardless of where they live. Under various double-tax treaties, credit is given for taxes paid outside the US.
This already applies to Irish citizens living in Ireland.
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However, I suggest it be extended to all Irish passport holders worldwide, as the United States does to all its passport holders. After all, they get the full benefit of Irish citizenship. – Yours, etc,
FRANK MURPHY,
Portmarnock,
Dublin 13
