Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

This recommendation relates to section 473 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, which grants relief for rent paid by individuals in private rented accommodation. At present, the level of rent qualifying for relief is dependent on one's marital status and age, either under or over 55 years. The Bill proposes to increase the limits on which rent relief can be claimed as follows — from €1,270 to €1,500 for single persons under 55; from €2,500 to €3,000 for married or widowed persons under 55; from €2,450 to €3,000 for single persons over 55; and from €5,080 to €6,000 for married and widows persons over 55. Relief granted is at the standard rate of income tax of 20%. The cost of Senator Phelan's recommendation is estimated to be €21.6 million in a full year, in addition to the full year costs of €5.2 million for the changes already provided for in the Bill. An amendment identical——