Vol. 472 No. 1
108 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered indexing or raising the age allowance for income tax purposes; the date, the age allowance was first introduced; the amount the allowance would be today had it been indexed or raised in line with other allowances since that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22465/96]
The age allowance is at present £200 for a single or widowed person and £400 for a married couple. This allowance in its current form was introduced in the tax year 1974-75 at the rate of £25 for a single person and £50 for a married couple. These figures index linked since 1974 would be of the order of £140-£280 in the current tax year 1996-97.
I assure the Deputy that all allowances and reliefs will be considered in the context of the forthcoming budget.
