Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I refer to the Government's tax targets. Over the past four years, total tax as a proportion of national income has increased. Far from being a low tax Government, this has been a high tax Government. It is even worse for families. The proportion of their personal income taken in tax has increased by seven percentage points to 38.5%. The Minister has the unusual distinction of being the first Minister for Finance to have more people paying tax at the 42% rate than at the 20% rate, which is extraordinary. The reason is that a single person on 80% of average earnings is taxed at 42%, the same rate that applies to a millionaire. Where stands the commitment in the programme for Government to ensure 80% of all earners pay tax at the standard rate? Has it been abandoned or will the Government progress the reforms to deliver it, instead of regressing, which has been the case for the past four years?

See this speech in context