Sinn Féin TDs put forward a motion calling on the Government to abolish the Universal Social Charge. Text of Motion Below

Motion

That Dáil Éireann, recognises that:

The Universal Social Charge is an unjust and regressive tax, bearing down most heavily on those least able to afford it;

The Universal Social Charge affects people earning as little as €77 per week;

The Universal Social Charge is indiscriminate and affects someone earning €100,000 at the same rate as someone earning €16,016;

Low income workers, including medical card holders, working lone parents and working widows, who were exempt from the health and income levies which the Universal Social Charge replaced, are no longer exempt;

Coupled with the changes to tax credits and bands introduced in Budget 2011, the Universal Social Charge has increased the burden of taxation on the working poor;

Even though the levy system was flawed, there was a greater level of progressivity in it; therefore Dáil Eireann calls on the Government to:

– Abolish the Universal Social Charge

– As an interim measure reinstate the health and income levies;

– Conduct an immediate impact assessment of levies as part of overall reform towards a streamlined and progressive taxation system.

– Pearse Doherty, Gerry Adams, Micheál Colreavy, Seán Crowe, Dessie Ellis, Martin Ferris, Sandra McLellan, Mary Lou McDonald,

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Jonathan O’Brien, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Brian Stanley, Peadar Tóibín.