Monetary union will give Ireland the opportunity to abolish the higher rate of income tax in favour of expenditure tax, according to tax expert, Ms Miriam Hederman O'Brien.

Speaking at the public sector trade union, Impact's seminar for the association of inspectors of taxes branch, Ms Hederman O'Brien said the structure of the tax system would need to become more effective.

She also said that the taxation structure would be crucial to the implementation of effective social welfare and employment incentives.