Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:68 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the major economic boom, if any, he envisages for Ireland if it diverts from marginal tax reform to much more radical measures in the 1996 budget. [18399/95]
Written Answers. - Tax Reform.
It has been the policy of all Governments over recent years to adopt a gradual approach to tax changes. In the 1996 budget I will be continuing to implement the Government's policy on tax reform as set out in the Programme for Renewal, which is aimed at lightening the income tax and PRSI burden, especially on those on low incomes. The aim of this reform is to enhance the competitiveness of the economy, to strengthen our employment capacity to take advantage of favourable economic circumstances and to seek a fair distribution of the fruits of economic growth. This, together with the progress achieved in the Programme for Competitiveness and Work, provides the policies on which the substantial economic and employment growth of recent years can be soundly based and can continue in the future.