Brian O'Shea
Question:28 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of covenating arrangements for educational purposes in each year from 1987 to 1989, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tax Relief.
Brian O'Shea
Question:39 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider an amendment to the Finance Act to allow tax relief for voluntary contributions to educational institutions involved in the social sciences as is allowed at present for institutions involved in the natural sciences; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 39 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that statistics are not available which would enable the precise information requested by the Deputy to be given. Such information could not be obtained without undertaking inquiries which could be carried out only at a disproportionate cost.
The following table sets out the available information in respect of all covenants qualifying for tax relief in respect of the income tax years 1986-87 to 1989-90, inclusive:
|
Year |
Estimated cost to the Exchequer |
|
£ million |
|
|
1986-87 |
7.0 |
|
1987-88 |
9.6 (provisional) |
|
1988-89 |
15.2 (provisional) |
|
1989-90 |
19.6 (provisional) |
These figures relate, apart from some minor categories, to income covenanted to or for the benefit of individuals aged 18 years or over, to universities or colleges in the State for the purpose of enabling them to carry on research or assisting them to teach the natural sciences, and to schools in the State for the purpose of assisting them to teach the natural sciences.
There is already very considerable direct State expenditure on education and I have no plans to extend the relief in the manner suggested by the Deputy.