Robert Troy
Question:44. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether it was a fair process to tax the back pay of nurses (details supplied). [10976/20]
View answerTuesday, 16 June 2020
Questions (44)
Written answers
Ireland has a progressive income tax system which is structured such that the more income you have, the more tax you pay. The system applies equally to all income earners liable to taxation in the State. As an individual’s income increases they move up through the various rates and bands and, as a result, while the levels of take home pay increase overall, the amount of tax paid also increases. Total income tax receipts account for around 40% of Ireland’s annual tax receipts, thereby making a significant contribution towards the cost of the various Exchequer funded State services, many of which are experiencing additional pressures at this time as a result of the necessary response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government greatly appreciates the additional efforts of essential workers, front line staff and all those working during this difficult time. They are making a key contribution to the State-wide response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The Government's approach has been to focus available resources on initiatives which support those who are no longer in employment or who have a reduced income as well as measures aimed at support employers in retaining staff and restarting businesses as we gradually reopen our economy in line with Ireland's Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.