Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has welcomed the decision by Revenue to defer a decision end the flat rate expenses scheme for tens of thousands of workers.

Deputy Doherty said:

“I welcome this decision by Revenue, that will ensure that any implementation of changes to the flat rate expenses scheme will be deferred until January 2021.

“Abolition of the scheme would have meant an effective tax hike on up to 600,000 low and middle-income workers. This is welcome news for those workers today.

“Although these workers will not face a tax hike in January, a delayed decision will only delay uncertainty for them.

“Today’s news means the scheme may still be abolished in 2021.

“It is convenient for Fine Gael that Revenue have decided to defer this decision to the other side of the General Election.

“Revenue must make a decision quickly and end the uncertainty for these workers and their families.

“It is unacceptable that this area of tax policy, which could cut household incomes in an instant, can be decided by Revenue with so little transparency.

“I look forward to the outcome of the review of the Tax Strategy Group, which will inform any decision made by Revenue, and will continue to argue that the incomes of these workers should be protected.”