Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 4: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will review the situation of confining mortgage interest tax relief to the first seven years of a mortgage in view of the number of families whose mortgages are falling behind in repayment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23363/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I believe that in these times of scarce resources support should be targeted at those most in need. Mortgage interest relief has therefore been limited to the first seven years of a mortgage from 1 May 2009. The relief is now targeted at those who bought their home when prices were at their peak while also supporting those who wish to move, improve or buy for the first time.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 5: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will abandon his proposal to either tax or means test child benefit from 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23364/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The position in relation to Child Benefit is as set out in my Supplementary Budget on 7 April 2009. The Government does not believe that it is fair to pay the same level of benefit irrespective of the level of income of the recipient. In times of scarce resources the Government believes support should be targeted at those most in need. My Department, together with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners are considering how best to achieve this policy objective. The tax treatment of child benefit is also being considered by the Commission on Taxation. I will be informed by its proposals on this matter.

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 6: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will clarify that income from the carer's allowance awarded by the Department of Social and Family Affairs is taxable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23413/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that, in line with many other social welfare allowances, pensions and benefits, the carers allowance awarded by the Department of Social and Family Affairs is taxable.