Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Finance the analysis he has carried out on the effects a travel tax will have on the airline industry prior to recommending its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38611/08]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 185: To ask the Minister for Finance the analysis he has carried out on the effects a travel tax will have on the airline industry; the effects it will have on the business community and in turn on the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38612/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 185 together.

I announced in Budget 2009 that an Air Travel Tax will come into force in respect of passengers departing from Irish airports on and from 30 March 2009.

Ireland is not unique in regard to applying a tax on air travel. A number countries within the EU apply similar taxes including, the UK, France and the Netherlands. In addition, the Belgium Government recently announced its intention to introduce an air travel tax. The proposed rates for the Irish air travel tax are not unreasonable both for shorter and longer journeys, when compared to rates in other countries.

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Finance if a couple in receipt of a contributory old age pension would have to pay the 1% levy if they have over €17,500 in income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38628/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that the income levy will be applied to gross income except social welfare payments, including contributory and non-contributory social welfare pensions. It is intended, however, to provide a threshold which will exempt those on low incomes.

Full details regarding provisions, in relation to the collection, recovery, inspection of records, and other provisions required in relation to the income levy will be set out in the Finance Bill.