Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with it. We will not be changing our view on this at all. The issue here is the amount of tax to be paid. One of the figures I have is very important. The top 1.5% of income earners in the State pay 25% of all income tax and USC. Other figures can show the Senators the position as well. These are the same Senators who disagree with the Taoiseach's wish to increase the threshold at which the higher tax rate is paid for the average earner. We were criticised for bringing that proposal forward. Unfortunately, nothing is right for the Senators. This is a good programme with huge value for the State. We will not change it.