Dáil Éireann - Volume 518 - 12 April, 2000

Written Answers. - Tax Reliefs.

117. Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if he will ask the Revenue Commissioners to consider the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W for tax relief on the enormous amount of money she has to pay towards care of her mother who lives with her. [11150/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy): I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, under the provisions of section 467 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, the taxpayer may be entitled to claim an allowance for employing a carer for the 1999-00 tax year and future years. Prior to the 1999-00 tax year this allowance could only be claimed if the claimant or the claimant's spouse was permanently incapacitated.

Tax relief is available in respect of expenditure up to £8,500 in cases where a taxpayer employs a person, either on an individual basis or through an agency, to take care of an incapacitated relative.

The inspector of taxes has sent the taxpayer a copy of Revenue leaflet IT 47, “Incapacitated Person – Allowance for Employing a Carer”, which explains the allowance and includes an application form.