Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2013
126. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Finance the amount of extra revenue per annum that would be generated if a new third rate of income tax of 45% was introduced on incomes over €80,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23328/13]
View answer127. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Finance the amount of extra revenue per annum that would be generated if a new third rate of income tax of 50% was introduced on incomes over €125,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23329/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.
As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government contained a very specific commitment to examine a proposal to increase mortgage interest relief to 30% for first time buyers who bought between 2004 and 2008. In Budget 2012, this commitment was fulfilled. It is not my intention to widen the parameters of the commitment contained in the Programme for Government. As you will appreciate, I receive numerous requests for the introduction of new tax reliefs and the extension of existing ones, but I must be mindful of the public finances and the many demands on the Exchequer, given the significant budgetary constraints. Tax reliefs, no matter how worthwhile in themselves, reduce the tax base and make general reform of the tax system that much more difficult.
