Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to have this opportunity to address the House on the macro-economic and fiscal outlook. In reference to what Deputy Morgan said, I look forward to Sinn Féin submitting its plan to the Department of Finance for costing. We can then have a debate on real issues on how to tackle this crisis. I am particularly interested in seeing a justification for the introduction of a 48% tax rate for individuals earning over €100,000 a year. Deputy Morgan did not have time to outline fully his party's proposals but I ask him to explain how two people living in the same house both earning €99,999 would escape this 48% tax rate while one household with an income of €101,000, will face the full hit of that rate. I wonder how this will work out and how fair it would be.

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