Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2013
213. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to amend section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to allow persons to claim tax back on treatment if they self-refer to a physiotherapist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49490/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have considered this matter carefully and I have decided at this time, not to extend the parameters of the scheme to include self-referral for physiotherapy.
General practitioners act as an access and control point for the scheme of tax relief on health expenses, as all such expenses must be incurred on the advice or referral of a general practitioner. If physiotherapy was allowed without the need for the treatment to be prescribed by a practitioner, it would inevitably lead to calls for other treatments to similarly qualify for relief, which could greatly increase the overall cost of the scheme. Given the difficult fiscal environment, I am not predisposed to such a potential cost increase.
