Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Today, again, the Government found the soft options irresistible. Tax increases will crucify people on very modest incomes. That is the tragedy of today.

We will see the equivalent of a new 1% levy, both on the standard rate and on the top rate. It will apply to everyone. Even those exempt from tax will pay it. This applies right across the board. It is three tax increases rolled into one. It is a direct hit on those at work with no allowance for the commitments they might have to family and to mortgage. This is completely turning on its head equity in the tax code.

It is a temporary measure. Income tax was a temporary measure, I think, during the Boer War when it was introduced. The insurance levy was a temporary measure when it came in 25 years ago, and it is still there. I have little confidence that this is a temporary measure.

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