Quinn non-committal on idea to deduct property tax from wages

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has said it is too early to say if he would agree with deducting a property tax directly from people's wages.

Minister Quinn made the comments following weekend reports that the proposed new tax could be taken directly from the wages of PAYE workers.

Labour Party Chairman Colm Keaveney has expressed concern at the idea, saying many of the country's wealthiest people do not pay PAYE.

Speaking this morning Minister Quinn said no concrete plans have been made yet , and refused to say if whether he agrees with the idea.

"It's too early to say, because there are a large number of people who are self-employed," he said.

"We are looking at ways in which the system can be efficient, fair and effective, and of course every option is looked at.

"But until such time as there are concrete proposals… I'm not going to make a comment."

Earlier his Labour Party colleague Deputy Keaveney warned that if the tax is not seen to be fair, it could lead to further resistance.

"My personal view is that the policy-makers in this respect would be best focusing on ensuring that we have the support of society with regard to the payment," the Galway East TD said.