FINANCE Minister Michael Noonan is considering claiming tax relief on his second home, even though the Taoiseach vowed to scrap the perk in 2009.
The controversial tax break for ministers was supposed to be a thing of the past. However the Herald has learnt a significant number of Cabinet members are claiming the allowance.
And now the man who wields the budget axe has admitted he may yet claim it.
In a clear signal that the perk will not be cut in December, a spokesman for Mr Noonan confirmed: "The Minister for Finance is not at present claiming the dual abode allowance.
"However, he will consider claiming the allowance in the 2012 tax year given he must spend a considerable amount of time in Dublin due to the requirements of his office."
A survey by this newspaper shows that several ministers are still availing themselves of the dual abode allowance.
Enda Kenny, Phil Hogan and Jimmy Deenihan are all continuing to draw the payments, which allow them to either write off mortgage relief on their Dublin homes or claim for rent or hotel bills.
Ministers are the only individuals in the State who are entitled to the controversial tax break, which costs the taxpayer about ?85,000 per year.
Fianna Fail's Darragh O'Brien said: "This Government's ability to break promises no longer surprises anyone, but even by their standards it is shocking."
hnews@herald.ie
- Niall O'Connor
Source: http://www.herald.ie/news/noonan-may-claim-second-home-perk-despite-endas-2009-pledge-3207758.html
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