Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am sorry about the mix-up. There were two amendments in my name and one of them has been ruled out of order.

This amendment is aimed at a report on indexing and the opportunity to ensure that people who are on those lower and middle incomes would get the maximum benefit from any budget move. On the indexing of credits and bands, it is always unclear what it would be indexed to. I want to get an understanding of what the options might be as people will see modest increases in their incomes to cover the likes of the cost of living. It is hugely important that this would not tip them into higher tax rates and that they would be able to enjoy the maximum benefit from those increases. It would also give people more visibility on how much they would have in hand next year to allow them to plan ahead.

I refer to the point on the progressive taxation and welfare system, where those who have more would be able to contribute more, whereas those who are on lower incomes would carry a lower burden and be supported. I want to establish how progressive the Minister feels the system is and if any changes are needed in that as a result of the budget. There were significant tax credits in this budget that would have provided support for more middle-income earners. What has the influence of that been? We must ensure we maintain a progressive system and add to it, without eroding it in any way.

Tá an leasú seo dírithe ar tuarascáil mar gheall ar an gcóras cánach agus ar an tslí gur féidir an t-ualach a scaipeadh chomh leathan in aon chor agus is féidir ionas go mbeadh ualach níos lú ar dhaoine le tuarastail níos ísle. Tá an leasú ag iarraidh a chinntiú chomh maith, nuair a bheadh aon arduithe san ioncam, nach gcuirfeadh sé sin isteach ró-mhór agus go mbeadh ardú ar na liúntais chomh maith chun an t-ualach sin a laghdú. I want to get a handle on the possibility of getting those reports to ensure that we maintain a progressive system of taxation and that any moves would make it more progressive, and not erode anything that is in the system.

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