Paul Bradford (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply, which speaks for itself. As stated earlier, a levy, charge or tax which is generating in excess of €4 billion each year can certainly not be made to just disappear overnight. The streamlining and effective administration of our taxation system is extremely important. It is possible to have a progressive taxation system without, of necessity, having a multiplicity of taxes, charges and levies. I appreciate what the Minister said with regard to the fact that the Government's decisions on income tax and the USC have led to a significant - and welcome - number of people no longer being obliged to pay them. If we had a singular income tax system, this could also have been achieved by the use of a number of bands. Will the Minister consider introducing such a system in the future, perhaps by way of recommendations from a new commission on taxation? Such a commission could examine the position with regard to the multiplicity of PRSI charges and levies, the USC and income tax. Would it be possible to introduce a singular taxation structure? From an administrative point of view, such a structure would certainly give rise to significant savings. Perhaps the Minister might reflect on this matter, particularly as there is an undue amount of complexity within the current system.