Varadkar: I will increase the top tax rate to €50k
Taoiseach says focus is on Brexit not election
LEO Varadkar promised tax cuts at the Fine Gael party ard fheis last night – and promised a new €50,000 top levy rate.
The Taoiseach said a couple would have to earn €100,000 before hitting the upper bracket– and it would be brought in over the next five budgets.
And he insisted his focus remains on Brexit and not a General Election.
Mr Varadkar told colleagues at Fine Gael’s 79th ard fheis a deal on Britain’s EU divorce is still possible.
He wants Fianna Fail to agree to support his minority government until summer 2020 – insisting political stability is vital as the country deals with the consequences of Brexit.
If a new agreement is not reached, Ireland could face a winter General Election only months away from the UK’S split from the EU.
Mr Varadkar said: “My finer interest is not going to be electoral advantage at the moment, it’s looking after the interests of the country that we are charged to lead.”
But in his keynote speech,
his focus was on issues such as high taxes and healthcare. He told the crowd in City West, Dublin: “I am confident we can secure a deal to provide political stability. “We will need it as we lead our country through Brexit in the year ahead.” Mr Varadkar highlighted the plight of the “squeezed middle”, adding: “The average full-time income is almost €46,000 but in Ireland we pay the top rate of tax on just over €35,000. “So, over the next five budgets, we will commit to increase the point at which people pay the top rate of tax to €50,000 for a single person or €100,000 for a two income couple.”
The Taoiseach also revealed next year’s health budget will hit €17billion.
He said: “This is the highest in the history of the State and we are determined to make sure this extra money gets to the patient.
“We have 1,500 more nurses than two years ago and 10,000 doctors – more than ever before. This year, we have 250 more beds in our hospitals, and 120 Primary Care centres up and running.”