asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that tax at the standard rate is being deducted from the ex-gratia widow's pension payable under the local government superannuation scheme 1977, and if he will instruct local authorities to advise recipients that they may apply to the Revenue Commissioners for an appropriate statement to avoid unnecessary tax deductions.
Written Answers. - Widows Pension Tax Deductions.
325.
I have no information regarding the level of tax deductions from the pensions payable to the widows of former local authority employees nor is the matter one for my Department. Furthermore I have no information that the recipients of such pensions are not being made fully aware by local authorities of the necessity for obtaining certificates of tax-free allowances from the Revenue Commissioners so as to avoid unnecessary tax deductions.
However, I will look into the matter to ensure that this is, in fact, the case.