Liz McManus
Ceist:76 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether it is discriminatory that the lone parents allowance is estimated for tax free allowance purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the lone parent allowance is one of the social welfare payments which is taxable. As the benefit is not taxed at source it is necessary to adjust the tax-free allowance of the claimant in order to take account of the benefit. The method applied in the case of lone parent's benefit is exactly the same method as applied in the taxation of other long term social welfare benefits. I do not accept that this practice is discriminatory.