Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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173. To ask the Minister for Finance in recognition of the increase in budget 2012 in the threshold at which the universal social charge, USC, applies which removed over 330,000 persons from this charge, if consideration will be given to reducing the overall rate of USC in view of the fact that the charge was initially introduced as an emergency taxation measure at a time of severe economic and financial turmoil for the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27334/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Universal Social Charge (USC) was introduced in Budget 2011 to replace the Income Levy and the Health Levy. It was a necessary measure to widen the tax base, remove poverty traps and raise revenue to reduce the budget deficit. It is a more sustainable charge than those it replaced.  It is applied at a low rate on a wide base.  I should point out that it was never intended that the USC would be a temporary measure. It was designed and incorporated in to the Irish taxation system as part of its permanent structure and the revenues collected play a vital part in meeting the many expenditure demands placed on the Exchequer. 

As you have alluded to, as a result of a review of the USC conducted by my Department in 2011, the Government decided in Budget 2012 to increase the entry point to the Universal Social Charge from €4,004 to €10,036 per annum. It is estimated that this removed almost 330,000 individuals from the charge.  As part of the normal budgetary preparations, my officials will examine potential options for changes to the tax system for my consideration as part of the overall Budget package. However, it should be borne in mind that under the terms of the Stability and Growth Pact, until Ireland has reached its objective of a balanced budget in structural terms, we may not introduce discretionary revenue reductions unless they are matched by other revenue increases or expenditure reductions.