Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Could the Minister clarify the figures on the cost of the USC changes on which we just voted? Different figures have been put forward. The budget day booklet stated that the 2017 cost would be €335 million, whereas the answer I received to a parliamentary question stated the full year cost would be €390 million. Could the Minister clarify whether those are the figures or whether there are different figures? The Minister read into the record that if the amendment were adopted and implemented as a policy decision, a certain percentage of income earners would be outside the USC net. What percentage did he say? For now, the priority should be gradual and affordable reductions that place an emphasis on low and middle-income earners rather than significantly increasing the exemption limit.

That would be our perspective at this time.