Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Finance if he has estimated the amount that will be raised per annum by the proposed universal social contribution when it replaces PRSI, pension and health levies; the amount forecast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6704/10]

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Finance the average contribution per taxpayer per annum to the proposed universal social contribution when it replaces PRSI, pension and health levies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6705/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together.

The position is that, as announced in the Budget, it is my objective to introduce in 2011 a new system of just two charges on income as follows:

· A new universal social security contribution will replace employee PRSI, the Health Levy and the Income Levy. It will be paid by everyone at a low rate on a wide base as a collective contribution to public services.

· Income Tax will apply on a progressive basis to those with higher incomes reflecting their capacity to make a greater contribution.

Work has already commenced on this project in my Department in consultation with the relevant Government Departments and the Revenue Commissioners. This work will of course include consideration of the potential yield as well as the required contributions of individual taxpayers. The details relating to this initiative will be announced in the context of the 2011 Budget.