Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 3

Written Answers. - Tax Concessions.

Joe Walsh

Question:

49 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Finance the estimated number of non-contributory old-age pensioners living alone who will benefit from the tax concession announced in the recent budget in relation to expenditure on burglar alarm systems. [4633/96]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Quinn)

I understand that the number of persons in receipt of non-contributory old age pensions at the end of January 1996 was 102,331 of whom 25,192 were in receipt of the social welfare living alone allowance.

I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that income tax statistics are not recorded in such a manner that would enable a breakdown between the various types of social welfare pensions to be given. The only relevant information available is in respect of recipients of all types of social welfare pensions, of whom some 66,000 are estimated to have taxable incomes. The number of these individuals who are aged 65 and over is estimated at 32,000 but it is not possible to say how many of these are living alone.