Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 3

Written Answers. - Tax Yield.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

113 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance when personal income tax rates were highest over the past 20 years; the reductions which have occurred during that period; the rates which applied during that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30298/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

TaxYear

Income Tax Rates

1979/80	25%	35%	45%	55%	60%
1980/81	25%	35%	45%	55%	60%
1981/82	25%	35%	45%	55%	60%
1982/83	25%	35%	45%	55%	60%
1983/84	25%	35%	45%	55%	60%	65%
1984/85	35%	45%	55%	60%	65%
1985/86	35%	48%	60%
1986/87	35%	48%	58%
1987/88	35%	48%	58%
1988/89	35%	48%	58%
1989/90	32%	48%	56%
1990/91	30%	48%	53%
1991/92	29%	48%	52%
1992/93	27%	48%
1993/94	27%	48%
1994/95	27%	48%
1995/96	27%	48%
1996/97	27%	48%
1997/98	26%	48%
1998/99	24%	46%
1999/00	24%	46%
2000/01	22%	44%
2001	20%	42%

The data shows the very significant reduction in personal taxation which has taken place over the period which has greatly reduced the burden of taxation on all income earners and increased the incentive to work. This is especially so over the last four budgets where both the top and standard rates of tax have fallen by four percentage points respectively.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.