Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I do not have a problem with reports, in principle, although I do have an issue with abolishing a tax that catches all income, including that of the top 10% of earners, notwithstanding that the Deputy has suggested the introduction of other income tax bands.

I am sure there are pictures of the Minister carrying posters stating "Abolish the USC" during the campaign for the previous general election, and there are definitely such pictures of the Taoiseach. The USC still exists, however, and brought in €3.7 billion last year. After the policy of abolition was ditched, we were promised the USC would be merged with PRSI, a report would be done and progress would be made in that regard, but there has been nothing. There is no progress in the Bill in respect of the matter. Will the Minister indicate where the USC will go? Will it also be captured in the review he is carrying out of the relief for those with a medical card?