Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Finance the gross salaries of the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State; the reduction effects the 10% pay reduction announced in October 2008, new levies, and any further pay reductions agreed since in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46967/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested in respect of the named Office holders is set out in the following table:

Taxation increases have also taken place during this period which affects the net pay of all income earners.

An income levy was introduced in Budget 2009 which applied at 1% on income up to €100,100, at 2% on income above €100,100 but below €250,120 and 3% on income in excess of this amount. These income levy rates were doubled and thresholds reduced to €75,036 and €174,980 in the Supplementary Budget in April 2009. The Health Levy was doubled from 2% to 4% and 2.5% to 5% and the higher threshold reduced from €100,100 to €75,036 in the Supplementary Budget 2009.

The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 introduced several remedial measures for the public finances including a pension-related deduction (PRD) on the remuneration of public servants, including office holders. The rates and bands applying effective from 1 May 2009, are as follows:

First €15,000 of earnings exempt

Between €15,000 and €20,000 5%

Between €20,000 and €60,000 10%

Above €60,000 10.5%

Because of the obligation by the Revenue Commissioners to conserve confidentiality in relation to the taxation affairs of all individual tax payers, the individual impact of taxation measures on the Office Holders concerned is not tabulated.

Legislation is currently before the Oireachtas which will implement the recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector in relation to the salaries of Office Holders. These recommendations are set out in Report No 44 which has recently been published. Under these recommendations the salary of the Taoiseach will be reduced by 20% to €228,466, and the Tánaiste and Ministers by 15% to €208,526 and €191,417 respectively. In accordance with the general recommendations of this Report the salaries of Ministers of State would be reduced by 8%. However, the Government intends to introduce an amendment to the Bill to reduce the salary of a Minister of State by 10% to €139,266.