Written answers

Wednesday, 7 October 2009

9:00 pm

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on whether further policy measures are needed to help parents to provide financially for their children who have disabilities in the event of death of the parents; his further views on the establishment of a disability savings plan, as proposed by an organisation (details supplied) and along the lines of a similar scheme operated in Canada since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34640/09]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Primary responsibility for policy and services in relation to children with disabilities rests with my colleague the Minister for Health and Children. Accordingly, it would be a matter for her Department to assess in the first instance whether existing services are adequate to meet such needs or whether further measures along the lines suggested by the Deputy are necessary.

I have no current plans to establish a disability savings plan along the lines of the Canadian scheme. Tax relief is available for properly drawn up deeds of covenant in favour of permanently incapacitated individuals, but such relief is generally not available to parents making covenants for their own minor children (that is, where the children are aged under 18 years and unmarried).

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