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The ESRI research finds that abolishing the USC would favour those on higher incomes most

Irish tax system 'best in EU' at reducing inequality

Research by the Economic and Social Research Institute has found that the Irish tax system does more than any other system in the EU to redistribute income and reduce inequality.

Ireland • 23 Jan 20

The Irish Tax Institute says the Universal Social Charge has driven increased 'progressivity' in the income tax system

Workers paying more tax now than a decade ago

The Irish Tax Institute says workers across all salary levels continue to pay more personal tax than they did ten years ago, despite a programme of personal tax reductions over the last seven years.

Economy • 18 Sep 18

The lowest rate of Universal Social Charge will drop by half a per cent

USC cuts cost €335m with more reductions to come

Cuts announced in Tuesday's Budget to the Universal Social Charge (USC) will cost the Exchequer €335 million and Minister for Finance Michael Noonan says he will push ahead wiht plans to phase out the USC.

Budget 2017 • 12 Oct 16

Speaking on RTÉ's Nine News, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the Government had listened to the people and invested in health, education and other services

Budget based on prudent management, says Kenny

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny said Budget 2017 is the first in a series of budgets that are focused on what the public said was important.

News • 12 Oct 16

Social Justice Ireland is claiming Government proposals being considered would result in an 'unfair policy path' for low income earners

USC proposals would be 'unfair' on low earners

Government proposals to change the Universal Social Charge would give greater benefit to people earning higher incomes than those earning lower incomes, according to a study by Social Justice Ireland.

Business • 12 Sep 16

The €4bn a year USC currently raises is around one-fifth of the total income tax take

Department says USC document no longer relevant

The Department of Finance has said a briefing document prepared earlier this year outlining the likely impact of abolishing the Universal Social Charge is no longer relevant.

News • 25 Aug 16

Pearse Doherty says the end of the USC will reduce tax receipts by €5.4bn

SF criticises removal of USC for middle earners

The Government's plans to phase out the Universal Social Charge over the next five years has been described as "reckless" by Sinn Féin's finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty.

News • 22 Jun 16

Brendan Howlin said the Labour Party is in favour of progressive taxation to fund quality public services

Howlin differs with Fine Gael on USC abolition

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin has said he does not agree with the Fine Gael position on the Universal Social Charge.

News • 23 Nov 15

Enda Kenny said 500,000 would be removed from USC liability in the budget

Govt plans to speed up abolition of USC

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told the Dáil that the Government would accelerate the phased abolition of the Universal Social Charge.

News • 29 Apr 15

Michael Noonan said he could not make Budget announcements in the middle of May

USC decision will be made in Budget - Noonan

Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has said the Government will make a decision in the Budget on whether to continue a lower rate of Universal Social Charge for those on modest incomes.

News • 16 May 14

Deputy Joanna Tuffy said the measure would raise €71m

Labour backbenchers call for USC increase

A number of Labour backbenchers have called for high earners to pay more tax by increasing the Universal Social Charge in the budget for anyone earning over €100,000.

News • 30 Oct 12

Universal Social Charge