Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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229. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the annual value of all rate increases, or other forms of increase such as widening bands and changes to tax credits, using 2008 as the base year, to pay as you earn, pay related social insurance and value added tax, for each year since 2008. [30402/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Regarding the PAYE aspect of the Deputy's question, I am informed by Revenue that applying the Income Tax rates, bands and credits which were in effect in 2008 to the estimated income tax base for 2015 would cost the Exchequer approximately €745 million.

I am advised that this is a highly indicative figure, it covers all Income Tax cases (PAYE and self-employed) and does not take into account the Universal Social Charge which came into effect in 2011 (is estimated to yield for the Exchequer €4 billion in 2015). Given updating of the ongoing Revenue databases since 2008 and changes in the size and composition of the taxpayer base, it is not feasible to estimate impact of changes on tax bases for years earlier than 2015.

In relation to VAT, I am advised that the main changes in VAT rates since 2008 are as follows:

- Decrease in the standard rate from 21.5% to 21% with effect from 1 January 2010. This was estimated to cost the Exchequer €167 million in Budget 2010.

- The introduction of the new second reduced rate of 9% with effect from 1 July 2011. This was estimated to cost the Exchequer €350 million in a full year.

- Increase in the standard rate from 21% to 23% with effect from 1 January 2012. This was estimated to yield an additional €670 million for the Exchequer in Budget 2012.

- Decrease in flat rate compensation percentage for farmers from 5.2% to 4.8% with effect from 1 January 2013. This was estimated to yield an additional €21 million for the Exchequer Budget 2013.

- Increase in flat rate compensation percentage for farmers from 4.8% to 5% with effect from 1 January 2013. This was estimated to cost the Exchequer €10 million in Budget 2014.

- Increase in flat rate compensation percentage for farmers from 5% to 5.2% with effect from 1 January 2015. This was estimated to cost the Exchequer €12 million in Budget 2015. The Deputy may wish to note that Revenue s Ready Reckoner, available at , shows estimates of the yield or cost for a series of indicative changes to current Income Tax and VAT rates. I am advised that Revenue are not in a position to comment in relation to PRSI changes, as this is a matter for the Department of Social Protection.