Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

That is the key issue for this budget. I want to make it clear that there will be no increase in income tax in this budget. In case there is any doubt, there will be no increases in rates, no narrowing of bands and no reductions in personal tax credits. Wages and salaries in January will be no lower than in December; therefore, people will continue to have discretion on how they spend their income.

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