asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that local authorities are finding it hard to keep the personnel of fire brigades because the allowance paid to them is subject to income tax; and, if so, if he will now consider having the allowance paid to these people exempt from income tax.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Fire Brigade Personnel.
38.
I regret that I cannot see my way to introduce legislation granting the exemption suggested by the Deputy.
The Minister does appreciate that this is a matter that is causing very great concern to people who are members of what is almost a voluntary service? Is there any way in which he can see that these people are compensated because the allowance paid to them is usually treated as extra money and income tax is deducted fully from it?
There is a very important principle involved here. I could not make an exception of this type of allowance.
In view of the fact that this is a fire brigade service and these people are doing it for nothing, would the Minister not consider that they are as important as artists?
How could they be doing it for nothing if there is an allowance paid to them?
I am afraid that that is what the Minister is a little mixed up about. These people are working at firefighting as part-time firemen and if they had remained at their own job they would be receiving, in most cases, the same rate as they are getting with the fire brigade. They are doing a service for which they are receiving very little extra pay and they are being taxed fully on it. Perhaps, when the Minister found it possible to give concessions to artists, he will also have a look at this matter.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.