Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 2

Written Answers. - Tax Reform.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

53 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Finance his priorities for tax reform in the forthcoming budget; his views on the global figure which will be available for tax reform; his views on whether the most beneficial way to assist those on low and middle income is by applying the bulk of the available resources to increasing personal allowances and widening the bands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15649/97]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

Taxation proposals will be framed in the context of the emerging budgetary position. The details will be announced on budget day.

In relation to the Deputy's views on the best method of helping low and middle income earners, I would point out that the taxation paid by low and middle income earners is a function of the rates of taxation in addition to the level of personal allowances and width of the bands.