Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide the latest figures in tabular form on the total earnings of the top 10,000 income earners; the top 1% of income earners; the top 5% of income earners; the top 10% of income earners and the top 20% of income earners; the number of earners in those groups; the average earnings of those groups; the total amount of tax on earnings paid by these groups in absolute terms, in percentage terms and in effective tax rate terms and including additional columns showing liability for the universal social charge and the effect of the universal social charge on the total tax take and the effective tax rate. [42353/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information that is readily available at this time in respect of the top 1%, 5%, 10%, 20% and the top 10,000 income earners is as estimated by reference to the income tax year 2012, and is set in the following table:

It should be noted that the figures for tax and effective tax rate include income tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge (USC). In addition, I should point out that it was not possible within the time allowed to provide the liability for the USC and the effect of the USC on the total tax take and the effective USC rate.

The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends in the interim. These are, therefore, provisional and likely to be revised.In addition, it should be noted that Gross Income is as defined in Revenue Statistical Report 2010.

The numbers of income earners shown in the table counts a married couple who have elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment as one tax unit although USC and PRSI are individualised charges and as such the yield is calculated on the basis of individual incomes.

Finally, let me mention that the general improvement of market sentiment and return of confidence is crucial from an Irish perspective. First, after some disappointing European and global data in the first half of 2012, the uplift in global and European confidence should lead to higher demand for Irish exports, which are driving our recovery. Second, a sustained reduction in borrowing costs for the sovereign should eventually filter through to the rest of the economy. Of course, Ireland has taken important measures in order to regain market confidence. Continuation along this path will be important for markets to continue to be reassured about Ireland's prospects. So, Ireland has already benefitted from important measures taken since June 29 and we expect further improvements as measures continue to be taken at the Member State, including in Ireland, and European levels.