Vol. 530 No. 3
140 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if an increase is under consideration in the lower exemption thresholds for social insurance and for the health levy for which no increases were announced in the recent budget from the levels of 2000 of £226 per week and £280 per week respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3929/01]
The low income threshold for the health contribution, below which the levy is not payable, is currently £14,560 per annum or £280 per week, as amended by the Social Welfare Act, 2000. The weekly income threshold will remain unchanged at £280. Arising from the change in the tax year to a calendar year basis, the annual threshold will be £10,775 for the 2001 short tax ‘year', i.e. 74% of the current threshold of £14,560.
I have no plans to adjust either of the thresholds involved at this point. However, I will bear these issues in mind in the context of the continuing reform of the PRSI and levies arrangements which I intend to introduce in my next budget.
