Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 422: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the reason there is only a two week period when secondary school teachers can apply to her Department for the cycle to work tax relief scheme; if she will instruct her officials to extend the period for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13726/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Cycle to Work Scheme was introduced for teachers in September 2009 when the terms of the scheme were outlined in Circular 54/2009. The Circular provides that applications for the scheme are to be forwarded to my Department not later than the 15th December. The deductions from salary are made during the following calendar year as outlined in the Circular.

Therefore in 2009 all teachers had in excess of a period of two months within which to apply for the scheme in order to avail of it in 2010. Teachers currently have until 15th December 2010 to apply for the scheme for the calendar year 2011. The period for applications is not limited to two weeks, applications can be made at any time during the year under the terms of the Circular once they are received by the deadline of 15th December.