Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

Were he to suggest that papers were to be published and options discussed, I believe they would find a way of getting over their shock, coming to terms with it and doing it. That is my guess, from what I know.

For the record, in a reply which the Minister gave me on 12 May, just a few weeks ago, he said: "It is important to note that the tax rate is just one factor used in calculating the actual tax, and individual pays should not be viewed in isolation. When tax credits and bands are taken into account, a single individual earner on €80,000 will now have an effective average tax rate of 36%. The Minister's officials compiled that particular answer, and that is what the effective tax rate is, and a limited range is included there.

In respect of the house tax, the Minister and certainly Fianna Fáil is experienced enough at massaging the media and the commentariat------

See this speech in context