Why is the Government increasing tax on workers? This afternoon, under the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024, employees' PRSI will be increased from 4% to 4.7%. It is the most regressive form of income tax we have, which will mean that a worker on the minimum wage will end up paying almost an extra €200 in PRSI and a worker on the average wage will pay almost €350 extra in PRSI. Why are workers being hit in this way when the Government has just introduced a tax break for employers' PRSI? It is acting like a reverse Robin Hood, taking from the workers and giving to the rich corporations. This is not necessary to fund the pay-related jobseeker's benefit. The Government's own tax strategy group found that Ireland's employers' PRSI is less than half the EU average. That is what should be increased.

Employers' PRSI has been increased. The Social Insurance Fund is extremely important for the future. Overall, the Government has significantly reduced taxes on workers and, through national wage agreements and so on, with the rate of inflation coming right down this year, net incomes will increase overall. Tax has come down every year since this Government came into office, including income tax and the USC. The Commission on Taxation and Welfare was clear that in order to sustain pensions, auto-enrolment and pay-related benefits in the future, we should make sure that we have a significant revenue base.