Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss this important issue. When this proposal was first discussed in 2022 the then Taoiseach asked that it be examined and the then Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, stated that while it was not an appropriate time to introduce such a rate as it would be very difficult to do so, the matter should be examined down the line. Last year, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael McGrath, indicated he would consider the matter early this year. Will the Minister of State indicate whether negotiations and a process have commenced? It would help middle-income earners if we introduced a 30% tax rate for incomes of up to €50,000. The squeezed middle have gone through a very difficult period recently, especially as a result of Covid and the cost-of-living crisis. Many young families fall into the middle-income category. Is there an update on this matter?