Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Targeted campaigns work. Last year in the case of the nursing homes, the Tánaiste highlighted the situation and there was an enormous take-up. On a number of occasions in recent years we have pointed to areas where reliefs could be availed of. It was done on the water rates issue and there was a significant take-up on that. I have no problem, in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners, promoting a campaign to highlight the situation for PAYE people.

Most years the Revenue sends out brochures on people's rights along with P60s. There is also a tax charter on individual rights which it has enhanced in recent years. However, I will certainly take up with the Minister for Finance the matter of reliefs such as medical expenses which are not availed of, if that is what the Deputy is asking. These are moneys that are due to individuals under the laws passed in the House and provision is made for them. People have a right to claim these tax credits. If it is a case of highlighting them, as the VHI and other organisations do, we can get Revenue to run a more co-ordinated campaign. I have no problem with that.

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