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

That is why we already have reduced USC payments in recent years, and widened tax bands to allow people keep a little more of the money they earn. Since about 2015 or 2016, somebody earning €40,000 per year pays about €3,000 less in tax than they would previously. That is because we want people who work hard to be able to hold on to a little more of their own money, while at the same time ensuring we have a significant tax take that can support the many other areas the Government needs to support, in particular vulnerable people in difficult circumstances.

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