Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I recall when the USC was introduced. I was self-employed as an accountant for many years and I received many calls from accountants and people who were earning about the penal nature of the charge. It is levied on gross income without deductions. I have always viewed it as a wartime economic tax given the symbolism associated with it and the context in which it was introduced. Over time, we have to find a way to eliminate it. That cannot be done overnight but the measures proposed in the legislation address people on low incomes. The two lowest rates will reduce by 0.5% under the section, which is welcome. We are on a voyage to find a sustainable means to eliminate USC. It is penal for all groups and it affects all the people we represent across parties. People want the charge gone and I hope that can be done in a sustainable way. I very much commend the section.