Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 January 2010
236 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Finance the number of mortgage holders in north Tipperary and nationally who lost entitlement to mortgage interest relief following his decision to abolish mortgage interest relief for those with a mortgage for more than seven years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3505/10]
View answerI am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that 322,000 of the 564,000 mortgage accounts that were in receipt of mortgage interest relief up until the introduction of the change in the Supplementary Budget 2009 continued to be eligible for the relief notwithstanding that change.
I am further advised by Revenue that they are not in a position to provide a breakdown by location of those who lost entitlement to mortgage interest relief.
237 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the reason mortgage tax relief operated by financial institutions and the Revenue Commissioners is not applied to the end of the seventh year for first time buyers as intended with the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3574/10]
View answerTax relief for mortgage interest paid on a qualifying home loan, i.e. a loan used for the purchase, repair, development or improvement of an individual's principle private residence, is operated through the tax relief at source (TRS) system. In my Supplementary Budget 2009, I announced that mortgage interest relief for first-time buyers and non-first time buyers was being limited to the first seven tax years for which an individual has entitlement to relief.
I am satisfied that the timeframe regarding mortgage interest relief at source is applied fully in accordance with the intent and relevant provisions of section 244 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
238 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if it is in order that a person (details supplied) with an intellectual disability who is engaged in rehabilitative employment is subject to a 5% reduction in their basic wage. [3581/10]
View answerI am making enquiries into the matter referred to by the Deputy and I will communicate with her separately as soon as possible.
