Budget 2027
Dail Éireann — 2026-05-26
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Simon Harris (FG), Wicklow

I fully agree. We want work to always pay and we want people who work hard to be able to get ahead, not just get by. The tax system is an important part of that. That is why we are committed to delivering a personal income tax package.
I will make a point to somewhat balance my comments. While it is absolutely correct that Irish people pay the higher rate of tax at a lower entry point than many other European countries, when you look at the social insurance contributions other countries make, that somewhat adjusts for that. The broader point the Deputy makes is entirely correct. We have taken people from paying the higher rate of tax at around €33,000 in 2015 up to €44,000 now. I would like to see more progress on that.
I do not need to tell the Deputy this as she champions issues like this, but when these families we are talking about are looking for a break and a chance to get ahead and not just get by, tax is a part of it. Other costs, like childcare, are part of it. Also, how can we structurally try to reduce energy costs? The budget will need to look at all of this in the round. Tax is a part of it, but so too is whether we can make permanent structural cost reductions in key areas like childcare.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-26/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-14T01:01:04+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-26