Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:13. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Finance the reason no progress was reported on budget day on the merging of PRSI and USC. [44210/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 25 October 2018
Ceisteanna (13)
Freagraí scríofa
I have always been clear that the amalgamation of USC and PRSI is a medium term plan and, as a result, the matter is being progressed on a separate track from the Budget and Finance Bill process.
The Working Group have now completed their work, in line with their terms of reference. Their Report was submitted to me in recent weeks and I am now considering the contents.
The Report addresses a range of options for how amalgamation could be achieved, but also has identified a number of serious challenges that will need to be further considered.
The amalgamation relates to State funds with an estimated combined value of over €7bn per annum, collected from over 2.5 million income earners.
The issue is therefore a complex one that will take time to consider.
Follow-on decisions will be taken in due course and I will make the House aware of these at the appropriate time.