Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Nov 1990

Vol. 403 No. 2

Written Answers. - Thatching Grants.

John Bruton

Question:

71 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment the reason old age pensioners applying for thatching grants are required to produce a tax number in order to qualify; and the reason their old age pension book number is not sufficient for the purpose, given that old age pensions are means tested and are an indication of the status of the applicant on their own account.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

As part of the Government's measures to improve tax administration, the payment of all grants by public authorities, including Government Departments, is conditional on applicants for grants, including those for thatching, furnishing certain details of their tax affairs, including a tax reference number and confirming that, to the best of their knowledge, their tax affairs are in order.