Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Oct 1997

Vol. 482 No. 2

Written Answers - Gaeltacht Island Allowance.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

46 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the extent and nature of the Gaeltacht island allowance being introduced by her Department; when the extra £3,000 tax allowance will come into force; the extent and nature of the increased social welfare benefit to apply in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17355/97]

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Éamon Ó Cuív)

As I stated in reply to Question No. 204 of 7 Deireadh Fómhair 1997, the question of a special islander allowance is among the questions at present under consideration with a view to improving living conditions for people whose permanent place of residence is on an offshore island. The figure of £3,000 referred to by the Deputy has never been proposed by me and I do not know where that figure originated.