Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Questions 139, 140 and 147 of 11 December 2018, the Deputy will be aware that the administration of the tax code is a matter for Revenue. The Deputy will also be aware that, in accordance with S851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 Revenue does not comment on the tax affairs of individual taxpayers.

The position in tax law is that where an employer provides free access to medical services to employees or provides refunds to employees in relation to medical services paid for by the employees, the employees are subject to tax on the services or refunds received. However, Revenue does not seek to apply benefit-in-kind where employees have free access to a general practitioner employed or retained by their employer. In addition, one medical check-up per year, and check-ups that are mandatory for work purposes, may also be provided. These exceptions are set out in published Revenue guidelines, and they apply as appropriate to all employers.

Where free access to medical services is provided to retired employees by their former employer, these services are not taxable. If retired employees are reimbursed by their former employer for medical services, the amounts reimbursed are taxable.

The relevant tax legislation applies to all employers equally and there are no exceptions to the rules for particular employers, employees or retired employees.  The way any company provides services to its employees or retired employees is entirely a matter for that company to agree with their employees and retired employees.