John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader for a debate on fair and progressive taxation. In doing so, I welcome the changes made in the budget, particularly the change to the 1% income levy and the change to the medical card scheme. Any couple over 70 earning €73,000 per annum would have earned over €100,000 per annum during their working lives and this is why I would like a debate specifically on fair and progressive taxation. Hiding behind the mask of universality will not suffice in this case. It is not unreasonable in difficult times that those who can well afford to pay be asked to do so.

In the United States the example of "Joe the Plumber" is used. Here they use——