Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 55: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to abolish the universal social charge, introduced by the previous Government, in view of its impact on the income of low and middle income families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6051/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The position is that there is a commitment in the new Programme for Government to carry out a review of the Universal Social Charge (USC) and I would anticipate that the review will be completed in time for Budget 2012. I would encourage all interested parties to join the review of the USC by way of submission to my Department. My Department is currently accepting submissions from interested parties, however, if changes to the USC are being proposed I would request well thought-out and workable solutions to fill any revenue gaps created. The focus must be on maintaining the €4 billion yield.

I should point out that the USC is progressive and when all charges on income are taken together we have a highly progressive taxation system. Ireland has one of the most progressive taxation systems in the entire OECD.

Finally, we must have a sustainable, robust taxation system going forward and the USC is part of that system.