asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing proposals for legislation providing that contributions paid under the Social Welfare Act, 1952, should not be calculated as earned income for the purpose of income-tax assessments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Act Contributions.
I take it that the proposals which the Deputy has in mind would provide that employees' contributions under the Social Welfare Act, 1952, should be deducted from the employees' income for tax purposes. It is not intended to introduce such legislative proposals. The Deputy will appreciate that a corollary to any such provisions would be legislation bringing benefits under the Act into charge to income-tax.
Will the Minister not consider making some allowance in respect of these contributions inasmuch as an allowance is made for the payment of the ordinary insurance premiums?
The ordinary insurance premium has no subsidy by the State as these have.
Would the Minister not consider, therefore, making an allowance in respect of the contributions made by employees?
All these contributions go a very little way towards paying for the benefits the State has to pay. I think it would be ridiculous from an accountancy point of view to go to all the rounds suggested by the Deputy.