Creighton: Govt 'does not intend to raise income tax'

The Europe Minister Lucinda Creighton has said the Government has no plans to increase income tax in December's Budget.

That is despite weekend indications from senior ministers that cuts and tax hikes may be back on the agenda.

Over the weekend Minister Pat Rabbitte said there would be no red-line areas in budget discussions.

Similar comments were made by the public expenditure minister Brendan Howlin.

However, Ms Creighton said the Government intends to keep its promise to voters.

She said: "There is no proposal on the table to change the Government's position on the whole area of income tax.

"We said from the very outset that it is our ambition to maintain income tax levels where they are. We don't intend to see increases and that remains our position."