Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

Are we talking about the 1% of all income tax earners whose income is more than €200,000? These earners contribute 20% of the total tax yield. Are we talking about the 3% who earn more than €150,000? They contribute 28% of the tax yield. Are we talking about the 9% who earn more than €100,000 because they contribute 47% of the entire tax take.

Let us consider the income levy we introduced in the budget. This is levied on all income. Those earning more than €50,000 pay 52% of the yield. Those on the minimum wage pay no contribution to the levy. This is a highly progressive income tax system. Those with high incomes pay most.

See this speech in context