Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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48. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on allowing tax relief on private health insurance for dental treatments to help stimulate the sector when the emergency has passed. [7052/20]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The position is that tax relief is available already for dental treatment as set out beneath.

Section 470 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for income tax relief, at the standard rate, to individuals who pay for medical insurance to an approved insurer.

Qualifying medical insurance policies can be for health insurance, dental insurance and health and dental insurance combined.

The relief is given as a discount on the cost of the policy, regardless of whom the policy is for. This is known as tax relief at source (TRS). In respect of a policy taken out for an adult, the relief available is equal to the lesser of either: 20% of the cost of the policy or 20% of €1,000 (equal to a credit of €200). In respect of a policy taken out for a child, relief available is equal to the lesser of either: 20% of the cost of the policy or 20% of €500. For the purposes of this relief, a child is any individual under 21 years of age.