Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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189. To ask the Minister for Finance when the universal social charge was first introduced; if he will provide a breakdown of revenue from the charge since its introduction per financial year; if the universal social charge was altered since its introduction to include other financial areas; what those areas are; and the original estimate of income for the first year for the universal social charge when it was first introduced. [15338/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Universal Social Charge (USC) was introduced in Finance Act 2011 and applies for the tax year 2011 and subsequent tax years.

The yield for each year is

2011 - €3,114m

2012 - €3,790m

2013  - €3,930m

USC is a tax payable on gross income, including notional pay, after any relief for certain trading losses and capital allowances, but before pension contributions. It is not charged on social welfare and similar type payments, or on income which was already subjected to DIRT.  Since its introduction it has not been altered to include other financial areas.

The original estimate of universal social charge payable in 2011 was €3,238m.

Changes made since its introduction are

1. An increase in the exemption limit from €4,004 to €10,036,
2. Elimination of the reduced rates that applied to medical card holders and individuals aged 66 and over whose income exceeds €60,000,
3. Non application of the charge to amounts received by individuals who avail of pre-retirement access to an AVC,
4. Application of the charge to income relieved from income tax under the special assignee relief programme, and
5. Non-application of the 3% surcharge, on non PAYE incomes over €100,000, to share options.