Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 4

Written Answers. - Tax Allowances.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

141 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the discussions his Department has had with the Department of Environment and Local Government, Dublin Corporation or any local authority regarding the introduction of specific tax allowances or waivers for persons under 66 who avail of the financial contribution scheme for senior citizens, if his attention has been drawn to the importance of this scheme to the supply of social housing in Dublin, if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that taxation arrangements act as a disincentive to the scheme and if he will introduce measures to address this disincentive. [3032/01]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I am aware of the importance of the financial contribution scheme to the supply of social housing in Dublin. I understand that over 200 senior citizens have availed of the scheme since 1988 and that an increased take up is likely as Dublin Corporation has extended eligibility for the scheme to high-demand senior citizen units. My Department has not had any discussions with the Department of the Environment and Local Government or any local authority regarding the introduction of tax allowances or waivers for persons under 66 who avail of the scheme. I am unaware of any taxation arrangements which might act as a disincentive to the scheme. However, if the deputy is aware of any such disincentive, she can bring it to my attention.