Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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If this is an argument, it is a reasonably polite one at this point on the Finance Bill. I take the Deputy's point that in terms of the income distribution, someone on €70,000 is clearly at the higher end. I accept that point. I think the Deputy can see my side of the coin also in terms of the pressure that person might face. However, it is because of my recognition also that if I change the standard rate cut-off point, as I have done, those income benefits are concentrated in a particular cohort of income earners. That will miss people who are earning less than €34,500 if I only focus on the standard rate cut-off point. That is why the move in the standard rate cut-off point was accompanied by a move to reduce the 2.5% rate of USC to 2%. I was trying to ensure the income growth benefit was also made available to people on incomes below €35,000 or €70,000.