Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Finance the changes made in the claiming of special tuition charges for dyslexic children by way of a medical expense against income tax liability; the reason these changes were made; the reason parents can no longer claim tax relief on these tuition charges for dyslexic children in view of the fact that this was allowed previously; if there is a way that these costs can be treated as a legitimate medical expenses eligible for tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30856/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that expenses in respect of tuition for children with dyslexia do not qualify for health expenses tax relief and have never qualified for the relief since it was first introduced in 1967.

I understand from the Revenue Commissioners, who deal with such claims, that individuals may have been under the impression that tuition for children with dyslexia was allowable under the heading of health expenses relief. I also understand that the Revenue Commissioners have written to the Dyslexia Association to clarify the matter.

I have no plans to extend the relief but the matter, like any other, can be raised by the Deputy at Finance Bill time.