Calls to use €900m extra tax take to help families

The Government has been urged to explain how it will use a near €900m in extra tax funds this year to improve the lives of working families who are continuing to struggle despite the repeated talk of an economic recovery.

Labour spokesperson on health, jobs, enterprise and innovation Alan Kelly raised the issue in the Dáil yesterday, saying the money must be spent on water refunds, transport improvements and public sector pay hikes if Fine Gael really wants to spread the recovery.

Speaking during the latest leaders questions debate, the former minister said Finance Minister Michael Noonan has told Fine Gael TDs and senators that the Exchequer returns for November are €280m ahead of schedule.