Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

People of all sectors were hit and people at the higher levels were hit more. When one looks at measures such as the income levy and the health contribution levy, one realises the higher earners are the people who pay the higher percentage. The percentages of the health levy range from 2% up to 5%, so those on higher incomes are paying the highest rate on that.

Deputy Shortall mentioned the public sector and asked why salaries were not cut there. The contribution of the pension levy affects all people in the public sector.

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