Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We already tax wealth in Ireland. The people who earn the most pay the most. Every year, we have an independent assessment of how progressive the Irish budget is. Every year we compare well with most other European countries in terms of making sure the people who have the least get the most, and the people who have the most pay the most. That progressive approach will continue this year. We also need to recognise that many middle income earners in Ireland also need a break. These are the people who through their taxes pay for everything, and are above virtually every threshold for supports that come from the Government.

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