Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Sinn Féin does not accept that there must be a review, although we may have to deal with it as a de facto consequence of Government policy. The universal social charge is an oppressive tax which the Minister stated he inherited from another Government. Does he agree it is bad economics to cut the incomes of people who cannot afford not to spend the money they have? By taking money from such people we stop cashflow in local communities. Not only do people become impoverished but they are driven further into depression, anxiety and distress. Another approach is available. As others have suggested and Sinn Féin has argued, a new tax band should be introduced for those who can afford to pay in order that we can proceed without the awful social consequences which have been created by this oppressive tax on the working poor.

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