Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The monthly economic bulletin issued by the Department of Finance is interesting because it sets out the average weekly wage in the first quarter of 2013 was €696.67. It also highlights that in six of the 13 categories or sectors of employment there was an increase in salaries or wages and in certain sections there was a decrease, mainly in the professional sector. These are gross figures and no net figures are issued in respect of tax deductions in these average earnings. There is a grossly distorted view when one compares what the person earns in wages and salaries in gross terms compared to the net figures and then compared to social welfare payments which are net figures. We should also publish figures on net earnings of people after the deduction of tax, taking into account people's tax category. It is important that correct information is issued. When the Minister for Finance comes to the House this matter should be debated to ensure we issue correct figures on the real take-home pay of people as opposed to the false impression given with regard to what people earn.