Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Finance if rent of €175 per month paid to Threshold housing agency by a person (details supplied) in County Galway can be offset against their income tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11651/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that relief from income tax in respect of rent paid for residential premises is available unless the person/entity entitled to the rent is a housing authority.

In this case, the rent is not actually being paid to Threshold but to Tuam Community Council Housing Aid Society. The claim for rent relief was erroneously disallowed on the mistaken understanding that this body came within the meaning of "housing authority".

Arrangements have now been put in place to process the claim without delay.