Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Workers have had it bad enough with the cost-of-living increases, rents and house prices, increased fuel costs and the LPT increases imposed by Government parties and others who choose to align themselves with the Government parties, such as Labour and some independent councillors in my own constituency. We need to see the abolition of USC for the workers whose means are not sufficient to adequately handle the cost of everyday life and the rising cost of essentials. The measures taken by the Government are insignificant in this regard and, as importantly, it does not recognise how the financial challenges facing people at the moment predominantly affect those on lower incomes.

Instead, the Government has chosen to avoid this basic fact in favour of those who have more ability to cushion themselves against any financial blows. That is why Sinn Féin will abolish USC for average workers by taking the first €45,000 of every worker's income out of USC. It would improve the conditions of 2 million workers who would not pay any more USC. That is why Sinn Féin has submitted a motion to get this Government to explore the option of abolishing USC for those earning €45,000 and under. Rather than ignoring those who are bearing the brunt of the financial challenges of everyday life, and we must remember USC is a legacy of Fianna Fáil crashing the economy, ordinary workers need a break from the consequences of the Government's actions.

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