Northside TD opposed to USC cut in next month’s budget

DUBLIN North West TD Róisín Shorthall (Social Democrats) is opposed to cuts to the Universal Social Charge in next month’s budget. Here’s her statement in full.

Despite the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) warning that tax cuts in the upcoming budget could potentially overheat the economy, the Minister for Finance seems intent on cutting the Universal Social Charge.

With so many public services under-funded and under-resourced and with the fallout from Brexit looming, this is clearly not the time to start phasing out the USC and narrowing Ireland’s tax base.

The USC generates €4billion in tax each year. Cutting the USC now reduces our ability to invest in health, housing, education and other vital services.

While increased tax intake through other avenues is predicted, we have to be wary that there are turbulent economic times ahead. There are no guarantees.

If we learned anything from the recent economic crisis it should be that prudence is essential so that a progressive and fair society can be delivered into the future and that we move away from the culture of boom and bust.