Taoiseach Enda Kenny has today vowed to cut USC in the next budget for those earning under €70,000.
According to him, the Government is “fully committed” to abolishing USC over time.
He said “Following the income tax cuts introduced earlier this year, and consistent with the statement of Government priorities agreed last July, we will cut the 7% rate of USC on all of those earning less than €70,000 per year.”
The Taoiseach’s commitment came as debate continues inside the Dáil chamber about yesterday’s Spring Statement.
In the Statement, delivered by Michael Noonan and Brendan Howlin, the government committed to an extra €1.2bn – €1.5bn in tax cuts and increased spending levels in the next budget.
They also predicted an average growth of 3.25% every year until 2020, and a fall of the deficit to below 3% from next year.
Minister Howlin also stated that talks about public sector pay would begin next month.
Im the Dáil today, opposition members the debate as a “stunt” and a pre-election gimmick from the Government.