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Tax Haven Ireland

Wealth, Taxation, and the Cost to Society

Kieran Allen author Brian O'Boyle author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Pluto Press

Published:20th Nov '21

Should be back in stock very soon

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Tax Haven Ireland cover

The book explores how Ireland became a major tax haven, benefiting corporations while ordinary citizens suffer. Tax Haven Ireland reveals the deep-rooted issues at play.

In Tax Haven Ireland, the author presents a critical examination of how immense wealth is funneled through the nation without providing tangible benefits to its citizens. This narrative details the transformation of a small island on the edge of Europe into one of the world's foremost tax havens. By analyzing the actions of global corporations, including giants like Apple and Google, as well as investment bankers and politicians, the book reveals the stark contrast between the riches amassed by a select few and the social costs borne by ordinary people both domestically and internationally.

The book uncovers the key players involved in this intricate web of financial maneuvering and sheds light on the cover-ups facilitated by the Irish state in conjunction with accountants, lawyers, and financial service firms. It delves into various sectors, from the lucrative internet pornography industry to the corruption that taints the property market. The ramifications of these practices distort not only the Irish economy but also the broader international financial landscape, with historical roots tracing back to Ireland's past as a British colonial outpost.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of Brexit and faces the looming threat of another economic downturn, Tax Haven Ireland poses critical questions about the future. It challenges readers to consider what measures can be taken to prevent such detrimental behaviors and to envision a restructured economy that prioritizes fairness and democratic principles for all citizens.

'Excellent insights and analysis showing how corporations and the rich are addicted to tax avoidance to the detriment of normal people. Informative and enjoyable to read'

-- Prem Sikka, Professor of Accountancy at the University of Sheffield

'An important book - it exposes industrial scale tax avoidance being organised by the Irish elites and enjoyed by the world's major corporations. It blends detailed research with impressive insight. It deserves a wide readership'.

-- Richard Boyd Barrett: Member of Irish parliament for People Before Profit

'An important book that deserves a wide readership. The claims that Ireland is a tax haven have been growing over recent years. This book adds important evidence to the claim and makes a passionate call for a more equal society'

-- Professor Eoin Reeves, Head of the Department of Economics, University of Limerick, Ireland

'A policy of consistent denial by the government, along with lazy media treatment of the issue, has meant that Ireland's status as a tax haven is an ongoing controversy. This book goes a long way in resolving this argument'

-- Terrence McDonough, Emeritus Professor of Economics, NUI Galway, Ireland

'A must read for anyone interested in understanding how global capitalism works in the 21st century'

-- Dr Stewart Smyth, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham

'An extremely important, and possibly the best, book to have been written about one of the world's biggest and most dangerous tax havens. It skewers the self-serving myths of crooked Irish elites to show how going down the tax haven route not only inflicts harm on other countries - it hurts its own population too'

-- Nicholas Shaxson, author 'Treasure Islands: Tax Havens and the Men who Stole the World' (Vintage, 2

ISBN: 9780745345314

Dimensions: 215mm x 135mm x 19mm

Weight: 275g

272 pages