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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Colin Brennan

Will Ireland see a rise in taxes after the pandemic? Tanaiste Leo Varadkar speaks out on possible hikes

There won't be an increase in income tax after the pandemic, says Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

The Fine Gael leader said it was important to give people the assurance they would not face tax hikes in the near future.

In order for the economy to recover after the pandemic, the Government wants to encourage people to spend.

He told Newstalk on Tuesday: "We are showing solidarity through the pandemic unemployment payment scheme which is largely funded by borrowing which we'll all have to pay back at a point in the future.

"I think the last thing we need when it comes to an economic recovery is higher taxes on anyone.

"I don't think we need higher taxes on income earners.

"I don't think we need higher taxes on business.

"The Programme for Government is very clear on this that we won't see increases on tax on business, we won't see tax on people's savings.

"Far from increasing income tax, we're going to index income tax bands so that fewer people will end up in the higher income tax band."

The leftover euros, dollars, yen and more have been collecting dust for three years (SWNS)

Meanwhile, Mr Varadkar said officials will know in the coming days whether 80% of the adult population will be able to receive their first vaccine by June as planned.

Mr Varadkar said the decision from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee to limit use of AstraZeneca had been a "difficult" one.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin adresses the Nation at Government Buildings,Dublin and holds a press conference with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar,Deputy CMO Ronan Glynn and Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan . (JULIEN BEHAL PHOTOGRAPHY)

"There are well over half a million people over the age of 60 yet to be vaccinated so we will make good use of it," he told Newstalk.

Mr Varadkar, who is a qualified doctor, said that he would have no hesitation recommending AstraZeneca to people over the age of 60.

"The risk of getting this (side-effect) is miniscule compared to getting Covid," he added.

"I would take it myself, absolutely."

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