Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am sure that at the start of Committee Stage of the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2023, we can agree on some of the facts that are known to us. According to the CSO, the median earning in this State is €33,516. That takes in part-time earnings. If we looked at full-time earnings, which would be unfair because many part-time workers are struggling as well, the figure would be €41,222. If we accept that average earnings are in that space between €33,516 and €41,222, does the Minister accept that his taxation measures benefit higher incomes more than those on average earnings? The facts are very clear. In terms of the USC, somebody on average income will be €92 better off whereas a higher income earner will be €292 better off.

Taking into account the Minister's tax measures, which we will come to later, somebody on an average income will be €200 better off while somebody on a higher income will be €600 better off. Does the Minister accept his tax package has, in the round, favoured high-income earners over average earners? If he disputes that, will he outline why?