David Norris (Independent)

I join with colleagues in welcoming the debate on the budget. One of the most critical issues is the one which Senators O'Toole and Alex White raised. I am perfectly happy to pay the 1% levy and, if my income goes over €100,000 to pay 2%. It is totally appropriate and I have no quarrel with it but Senator White is 100% right in saying that this is a vicious tax. There must be a lower limit. I applaud the higher limit but how can we expect people under €35,000 to pay 1%? This is cutting into what they pay on food, heating and education of their children. This House should urge a lower limit beneath which people pay nothing at all. If necessary, the tax should be raised for the rest of us. We can afford it, they cannot.