Dr. Tom McDonnell:

I am not aware of any mainstream organisation that is in favour of abolishing the USC. I am not sure of the position of the tax institute. It is generally against taxes and it might be willing to come in to lobby in that regard, but I do not know that such is its position.

It was clear from the national economic dialogue that no organisation is advocating the universal social charge, USC. Generally speaking, there is a recognition that the infrastructure, education and health care areas are not in an ideal state and, therefore, they should be priority areas. I do not know of any mainstream organisations advocating for the USC. There may be international organisations that would be willing to advocate for lower taxes in general, such as The Heritage Foundation that advises the US Republican Party. Lower taxes and flat taxes would be popular on the American right such that they may be able to produce some of the economic arguments. I am not sure of any mainstream organisation in Ireland that is pursuing that particular policy.