The Government has chosen not to impose an asset or wealth tax on the super rich. However, it is hitting poor and less well-off families.

Will the Deputy, please, put his supplementary question?

There is wealth in this country that is not being taxed by the Government. Will the Minister introduce a tax on wealth and assets to ensure the very wealthy in society, that is, those who earn €595,000 a year and those who have significant assets, pay their fair share of taxes?

The Deputy is probably aware that we have one of the most progressive income tax regimes in the world. Aside from only one country in the OECD, our progressive tax rate is the best.

Will the Government introduce a wealth or an asset tax?

Please allow the Minister to reply.

Deputy Seamus Healy does not want to hear the reply.

I just want the Minister to answer the question.

Everybody in the House wants to hear the reply. The Deputy has had his say.

He had his say, but I am afraid that he just reads his script and is not interested in the reply. We have the second most progressive income tax regime, with a high marginal rate of tax, that we have defended because the crisis in the country requires everyone to make an appropriate contribution.

I am asking about a wealth or an asset tax.

When we introduce asset taxes, for example, a local property tax which is regarded as the norm among social democratic parties, the Deputy opposite opposes them. He is only in favour of fantasy taxes on fantasy people.

A Fine Gael Minister did it in the past.

If we were to impose a tax on those earning in excess of €590,000, as the Deputy suggests, how many people would it cover and how much would accrue to the State?

There are 10,000 such individuals.

I guarantee the Deputy silence when he is asking a question. Will he, please, respect the respondent?

I would like an answer.

Please stay quiet.

Deputy Seamus Healy is not interested in the answer. He is only interested in making a stump speech. His greatest regret is that the Government's economic policies are driving recovery and job creation and bringing investment into the State.