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Sinn Féin wants new higher tax rate of 48%

Arthur Morgan - Sinn Féin publishes pre-Budget submission
Arthur Morgan - Sinn Féin publishes pre-Budget submission

Sinn Féin is proposing €4 billion in increased taxation in December's Budget, as well as €1.8 billion in spending cuts.

In the party's pre-Budget submission published this afternoon, the party also proposes a €7 billion stimulus package to be spread over three and a half years.

Among the main tax increases is a new 48% tax rate for those earning over €100,000 a year, a 1% wealth tax on all assets worth over €1m and abolition of the PRSI ceiling.

Spending savings include a 25% cut in professional fees, savings on medicine costs, a cap of €100,000 on salaries in semi-state bodies and a €6m saving in politicians pay. This would see salaries for ministers capped at €100,000, TDs at €75,000 and Senators at €60,000.

The stimulus plan would use €7 billion from the National Pension Reserve Fund to invest in jobs, including a revamped Community Enterprise scheme, and using State employees to build infrastructure.

Sinn Féin's finance spokesperson Arthur Morgan said the proposals could be regarded as radical, but they were fair.

Party leader Gerry Adams said they were seeking to get those who earn the most to pay more.

He said those on low incomes actually spent their money because they had to, so these proposals would create more cash flow in the economy.