Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 262: To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of making the home carer's tax credit refundable. [27776/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent estimated cost of making the home carer tax credit refundable when it is unused is broadly in the region of €42 million annually.

The estimate of €42 million relates only to the cost of extending refundable tax credits to all those on the Revenue Commissioners' tax files. If a refundable tax credit system were to be introduced, one would have to consider those who are not on the tax files, such as those who are of employable age but not working, including those on social welfare. This would increase the cost.