Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

The Government made solemn promises in its partnership agreement for Government and in Sustaining Progress agreements with the social partners that 80% of tax payers would pay at the standard rate or below. The figures in the Minister's earlier answer show that this year only 67% of tax payers will be at the standard rate or below. Is this not the biggest smash and grab raid on ordinary PAYE workers by this Government?

These workers were mugged by the previous Minister for Finance for two years in a row when he failed to index the credits and allowances. Deputy Cowen continued the mugging last year when he promised a decrease in numbers on the higher rate but the Minister's figures show some 25,000 more workers are now paying at the top rate than were paying at that rate last year. Where is the tax justice when millionaires pay no tax? Someone just above the standard industrial wage will pay 42% on overtime and additional earnings. Where is the tax justice for PAYE tax payers?

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