Gilmore dismisses 'speculative' talk of Budget tax cuts
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has said that talk of significant relief for taxpayers in October's Budget is 'purely speculative'.
Mr Gilmore was responding to a report in today's Irish Times which outlines the Government's intention to give major concessions to middle income taxpayers.
The newspaper report, citing an anonymous "senior Fine Gael minister", indicated that a "significant package" of concessions aimed at easing the burden on middle-income taxpayers would be included in the Budget as a signal that the "age of austerity" was coming to a close.
But speaking in Luxembourg today where he is chairing a meeting of the EU's General Affairs Council, Mr Gilmore said it was too early for such talk.
"This is April," he said.
"The Budget is (in) October.
"I think any discussion of the Budget at this stage is purely speculative."
The latest report follows recent statements by junior minister Brian Hayes which flagged future cuts to tax rates for middle income earners.
In comments to the Sunday Times earlier this month Minister Hayes - junior minister at the Department of Finance - said that tax reductions should be introduced within the next three years, but said income tax will be cut in the Budget this October.
