Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 29 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 7

Written Answers. - Tax Relief on Medical Expenses.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

97 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of claims made for tax relief on medical expenses for the most recent year for which data is available; the number of claims in respect of an individual that fell in each of the ranges £50-£100, £100-£150, £150-£200, £200-£250, £250-£300 and over £300; the cost to the Exchequer of relief in each category; the number of claims in respect of a family that fell into the same ranges; and the cost to the Exchequer of relief in each category.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that statistics are not recorded in such a manner as would enable the precise information requested by the Deputy to be provided. Such information could not be obtained without undertaking inquiries which could be carried out only at a disproportionate cost. However, from the relevant available statistics, it is estimated that some 23,800 taxpayers will claim £19.1 million of relief on medical expenses at a cost to the Exchequer of £7 million in respect of the income tax yer 1993-94. These estimates are provisional and are likely to be revised.