Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE) | Oireachtas source

Why is the Government increasing tax on workers? This afternoon, under the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, employees' PRSI will be increased from 4% to 4.7%. It is the most regressive form of income tax we have, which will mean that a worker on the minimum wage will end up paying almost an extra €200 in PRSI and a worker on the average wage will pay almost €350 extra in PRSI. Why are workers being hit in this way when the Government has just introduced a tax break for employers' PRSI? It is acting like a reverse Robin Hood, taking from the workers and giving to the rich corporations. This is not necessary to fund the pay-related jobseeker's benefit. The Government's own tax strategy group found that Ireland's employers' PRSI is less than half the EU average. That is what should be increased.

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