asked the Minister for Finance whether in view of doubts among widows who must work to support their children as to whether they are entitled to claim housekeeper's allowance in their income tax he will state the position on this point.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housekeeper Allowance.
8.
The allowance commonly known as housekeeper allowance may be claimed by a widow in respect of—
(1) a female relative who is resident with her for the purpose of having the charge and care of any child in respect of whom child allowance is granted, or
(2) a female person who is employed to take charge of the child where no female relative is available for the purpose.
The amount of the allowance is £100.
Is the Minister aware that on a recent television programme some uninformed lady announced it was a disgrace that widows were not entitled to any housekeeper allowance? When an erroneous statement of this nature is made would it not be possible—since it would be a matter of fact in this case—to have some message passed on to the station, if necessary, pointing out that an error has been made by someone in good faith, but people might not apply for their rights or their entitlements?
If I were to undertake to correct every misstatement made from Telefís Éireann I would be a very busy man. I must confess that I found on a previous occasion they do not take too kindly to telephone calls from me.