Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Finance when the anomaly concerning the universal social charge will be dealt with in view of the fact that it has actually meant that self-employed persons earning more than €200,000 per annum are benefiting from these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1410/11]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the issue the Deputy has raised concerning the Universal Social Charge and I will be considering it in the context of the Finance Bill and also in the overall context of income earners final liability to tax.

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Finance in view of the collapse in tourist numbers visiting Ireland since the introduction of the airport travel tax, his views on whether this tax should be removed if the recently announcement policy of increasing the number of overseas tourists visiting here is to be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44174/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I do not accept that the air travel tax has a material impact on tourism numbers. Prospective visitors will base their choice of destination on a range of issues. These will include the cost of travelling to a destination but are more likely to be influenced by the cost structure within that destination, and the range of activities and visitor attractions on offer. However, taking account of some of the comments made last year, I announced in the Budget a single revised rate of air travel tax of €3 with effect from 1 March 2011 and will assess the impact of this to see if passenger numbers are affected.