Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House. I just want to put a theme to the budget. Normally the budget is about striking a balance and achieving fairness. Resources are still limited. I wish to refer to the general increase, albeit limited, across all social welfare classes and to the universal social charge, USC. I find it strange that Sinn Féin is seeking to retain the USC. People on low incomes are paying the USC on their gross income, without deductions.