Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Finance the cost of increases in the standard rate tax band which would keep those on the average industrial wage outside of the tax net for the 2007 tax year based on projected increases in average industrial earnings. [37990/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I assume that what the Deputy has in mind is the cost of increases in the standard rate tax band so as to ensure that those earning the average industrial wage would have a liability for income tax at no more than the standard rate of 20 per cent in 2007.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year cost to the Exchequer, based on projected 2007 incomes, of the change to the band structure required to achieve the above position is estimated to be approximately €140 million in a full year.

This figure is provisional and subject to revision.

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will extend grant aid similar to that to be given to a group (details supplied) to other charities who pay VAT. [38014/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the normal VAT rules, the VAT on the Band Aid CD and Live Aid DVD was paid by the purchasers of the two products at the point of sale rather than by the Band Aid Trust. As a once-off measure, it was decided that the Minister for Foreign Affairs would make a special contribution to the Band Aid Trust to the value of VAT paid on purchases of the two products. It is not intended to extend this measure to charities.