The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘Don’t tax our storm responders at higher rate’: Brassil
A FIANNA Fáil politician is calling for a big tax break for all workers who dealt with the fallout of Ex-hurricane Ophelia - whether rescuing people, clearing roads of trees or fixing the slew of downed power lines across the country.
Kerry Fianna Fáil TD John Brassil said that the least the Government can do to recognise these workers - some of whom risked life and limb to help others - is to apply the lower rate of tax on their overtime payments.
Many now face the higher tax band on overtime carried out during and after the unprecedented red alert storm.
Deputy Brassil made the request in a parliamentary question to the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe.
“At present, all income over €33,800 per year, or €650 per week, is taxed at the higher rate of 41% plus PRSI and USC,” Deputy Brassil said.
“As a result of the significant amount of overtime worked, many workers will see their weekly pay packets take a major hit from tax.”
He said the work was particularly onerous in a rural county like Kerry: “I think that right across the country, and especially here in Kerry, the local communities are incredibly grateful to everyone who worked so hard, in extremely difficult services, to ensure the safety of everyone.
“These workers, in the county council, the fire service, the ESB, TLI, the ambulance service, and the coast guard worked incredibly long hours, often by putting themselves in danger.
“I think the least we can do is ensure that whatever overtime they receive for this work should be taxed at the lower rate.
“To my mind, it would be unconscionable for these workers to lose over 50% of it in taxes, USC and PRSI.”