Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

The changes include an increase of €230 in employee PAYE tax credit to €1,270 per annum. In 2005, workers on the average industrial wage will earn €11,300 more and pay €200 less tax than in 1997. The minimum wage was removed from the tax net. A worker on the minimum wage will be far better off this year than previously. Exemption limits for those aged over 65 years increased to €16,500 for single and married persons. The health levy threshold increased from €356 per week to €400 per week. The Fianna Fáil-led Administration has staked its reputation on making such changes and I am glad we are making significant progress in that regard.

Tax relief on rent paid by private tenants increased by 18%. Tax relief on third level fees also increased and the fees limit rose from €3,175 to €5,000. The list goes on.

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