Plan to deal with derelict buildings by City Council is a welcome move

Plan to deal with derelict buildings by City Council is a welcome move – Cllr. Kenneth O’Flynn

‘The plan being put together by the City Manager, Tim Lucy to help deal with the scourge of derelict buildings in the City is a welcome initiative’ said Northside Fianna Fáil Councillor, Kenneth O’Flynn

‘At present, there are approximately 140 sites at various stages of dereliction throughout the city. Many of these derelict properties are to be found in Blackpool, Shandon Street, Barrack Street and the city centre’ added Cllr. O’Flynn.

‘I have been informed that Cork City Council is in continuous contact with the owners of properties in an effort to try and resolve this important issue for local businesses and residents. I am delighted to see that the City Manager is taking such a proactive and determined approach to this issue and to ensure that it is dealt with as speedily and efficiently as possible’

‘As part of the Cork City Council plan, the Shandon Street area will have a new Painting Scheme; The Blackpool, Shandon, and North Main Street areas will see a new scheme focused on upgrading buildings while the City Centre will benefit from the upgrading of historical buildings designed to allow existing buildings be brought back into use’ added Cllr. O’Flynn

‘The city is working with the probation services to develop a graffiti removal project to rapidly improve the public environment in the city’

‘The City Council is only able to do so much. Many owners of properties want to develop them and make them usable but require the banks to release funding to enable them finish off the developments. I am calling on the Government to force the banks to do more to support these entrepreneurs by allowing them bring life into the city and surrounding neighbourhoods’ concluded Cllr. Kenneth O’Flynn.

-ENDS-

comprehensive database of key contacts internationally

Cork City Council Motion

That Cork City Council will create a comprehensive database of key contacts internationally, consolidating the information received from project reports city departments/ organisations, building up a ‘map’ of figures internationally who have already supported Cork interests that can be used as a resource for future international projects. 

*

Currently each organisation who travels internationally from Cork builds up their own international links (generally a slow ‘trial and error approach of sending out blind emails) but there is no coordinated city effort to sustain these newly forged ties after the project is over. When the next organisation who goes abroad, this process starts from the beginning again, trying to form new ties, which are then exclusive to the organisation, and often fade if the event organised is just a once off. This is a key issue in why long term plans for international relations are hard to form. Mutual contacts/personal recommendations are the most effective way for organisations to make an impact when they travel internationally.

When any organisation supported by the City Council goes abroad, a key element of their report should be to outline the contacts they have made, stating the field in which they are based, how the contact was made, and how they can be contacted again.

This information is included into an international ‘map’ of contacts that are divided into various industries and artistic fields within each city. With each contact, information included would be the history of the city’s contact with that figure/organisation. Thus, the city can put organisations travelling abroad in direct contact with the key people in the region that they are travelling to, people who have a track record of supporting Cork City projects.

(The issue of how much personal information that could be given out from this database would have to be investigated. If the giving out of contact details was not possible, the city could put the organisation looking to travel abroad in touch with the original organisation who made the contacts, who could then make the introduction. This is far more effective than organisations blindly sending out letters introducing themselves. )

Senior Citizens must be protected at all costs - O'Flynn

Northside Councillor Kenneth O'Flynn has today launched a blistering attack on IMF recommendations which include the cutting of free travel and medical cards for the over 70's.



'The IMF has recently told the Fine Gael / Labour Government to find savings by scrapping free schemes for the elderly and in particular those schemes which are of most use and support to one of the most vulnerable sectors of our community. Included in the draconian recommendations are the supports to help older people pay for their electricity and gas, their TV license, free travel and medical card scheme' said Cllr. O'Flynn.



'This is by far the most worrying and upsetting proposal to come from the Troika. While in Government, my party spared this sector of society from regressive cuts because it was this generation who endured the very tough 1950's and1960's and contributed so much to Ireland's economic growth in the 1970's and 1980's'


'Fine Gael and Labour have a choice to make. Will they tow the Troika line with regard to these cuts or will they follow Fianna Fáil's lead in reducing the impact of budget cuts on this important sector of society' asked Cllr. O'Flynn.



'The Governments decision not to exempt the elderly from the Household Charge and Labour's U-Turn on reversing the Universal Social Charge mean that our pensioners are facing tough choices when it comes to spending their money. Will they have to chose between food and heat?'


'These schemes are much more than payments to older people. They give them independence, allow them to keep in touch with their friends and family and have a better quality of life' argued Cllr. O'Flynn.


O'Flynn went on to say that he will opposed these regressive and shortsighted attacks on the elderly even if it means 'taking to the streets'.

O’Flynn calls on Government to change rules to allow Single Parents take part in Job Bridge

Cynical attempt by Fine Gael and Labour to massage the Live Register



Cork City Councillor, Kenneth O’Flynn is calling for the Government to urgently address an anomaly in the Social Welfare legislation that prohibits people in receipt of the One Parent Family Payment from gaining access to the Job Bridge Scheme which was designed to get people back into the work force.



‘This is a totally unjust and inexcusable situation. Where is the sense is not allowing these people gain access to internships which will further their chances of gaining employment’ said the Fianna Fáil Councillor.



‘Fine Gael and Labour are targeting those in receipt of this payment far more than others. Many single parents find it very difficult to transition into the workforce and internships are a very important tool in giving them the skills to make them more employable’ added Cllr. O’Flynn.



‘Many single parents have come into my constituency office in the last few weeks deeply annoyed that they are ineligible. They are asking “why are Government picking on us?”’



This is a cynical attempt by the Government to reduce the Live Register to make themselves look good rather than focusing on helping everyone who needs support in returning to work



‘Fine Gael and Labour should be ashamed of themselves’ concluded Cllr. O’Flynn

Cultural Ambassadors for Cork City

Cultural Ambassadors for Cork City.





Northside Councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has today welcomed comments by Director of Services who is committed to engaging with stakeholders from Social, Cultural, Business and Education sectors to find a number of Cultural Ambassadors for Cork City.

Councillor O’Flynn who proposed the Cultural Ambassador Programme that would see well known Cork public figures from the arts, cultural and sports arena promoting festivals and events and shopping in Cork City.

O’Flynn said “that now more than ever we need to be using Cork’s famous sons and daughters for promoting the City”. O’Flynn went on to say “in a number of countries Ambassador programmes have worked with great success in the economic promotion of cities and districts. I would also like to see an Ambassador programme being rolled out for international students. I have witnessed first hand this scheme being ran in Spain where international students are bringing cities and towns to the attention of their friends and families in different countries and encouraging them to visit.”

Information Bulletin

New 'one-stop' shops are to be established in each county and city council to facilitate the start-up of small businesses. The new units known as "Local Enterprise Offices' will sit firmly within the county/city council structure. The councils will absorb the County Enterprise Board functions and dovetail them with those of the Business Support Units in each county to form the new Local Enterprise Offices. The fact that the new Enterprise offices will sit within the County/City Council structure will be viewed as a welcome development.

Extract from Department of the Environment statement:

'The “One Stop Shops” will be called “Local Enterprise Offices” and will build on the significant work done by the CEBs to date. The new “one-stop-shop” micro enterprise support structure will be achieved through the dissolution of the existing CEBs and the creation of a new Micro Enterprise and Small Business Unit in Enterprise Ireland (EI) that will work with Local Authorities to establish a new network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in each Local Authority.



The LEOs will be mandated to provide a range of supports and services to all local micro enterprises who seek such supports. Essentially, the LEOs will carry out the combined work of the CEBs and the Business Support Units of the Local Authorities.



The new LEOs will offer:

• Local business advisory services (licensing, regulation, planning, etc);

• Information and support for accessing the local procurement process;

• Close coupling to NEES (National Employment and Entitlements Service) /SOLAS (Seirbhísí Oideachais Leanunaigh agus Scileanna) services (referrals, access to training/development/recruitment);

• Access to micro-business supports/incentives (finance, innovation, marketing, mentoring, management development); and

• Progression for high-growth companies to appropriate EI supports."

It's not rocket science

Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still struggling to raise money from banks despite an agreement between lenders and the government, a report has revealed

SMEs are increasingly looking to give away stakes in their companies in return for cash

government's strategy of rebalancing the economy is not working we need reduce the risk and improve access to finance for small and medium businesses Startups and small firms should be right at the heart of our economic plan.

we need to be cutting the amount of rules and regulations so that businesses can have more freedom to grow.

"By removing unnecessary barriers to growth and providing more finance and mentoring opportunities for SMEs we are creating a positive business environment that will help boost economic growth
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My Motions before Cork City Council Council for the last six months

7/12/11


A. That Cork City Council call the government to recognise That significant cost differential and limited bandwidth not only puts the Cork region at a severe economic disadvantage to attract investment it also poses challenges to retain existing industry whose bandwidth needs are continuing to expand



B. And that a Tier 1 international connectivity is essential if Cork is to realise its potential and support the development of new digital industries
C.And acknowledges the recent Forfás report confirms that the games industry globally is expected to grow to $82.5 billion by 2015, and that Ireland has the potential to more than double its employment in core games activities to 4,500 people. However, this growth requires availability of and access to competitively-priced next generation broadband. The report acknowledges that Ireland lags behind its competitors in terms of next generation networks and services

Cllr Kenneth N. O'Flynn





7/12/11


That Cork City Council

A. notes the significant contribution made to the economy by commercial rate payers; accepts that many small businesses are experiencing difficulty in paying their rates to local authorities and that this is contributing to the closure of businesses across the country and job losses;

B. agrees that the re-valuation exercise currently being undertaken by the Valuation Office will take too long to roll out across the country with most local authorities not addressing a rate reduction in any meaningful way;

C. asserts that the current system makes no allowance for ability to pay or changed economic circumstances and that the valuation system and charges setting mechanisms are archaic and complex;

D. further notes that the Local Government Efficiency Review Group has identified savings of €511 million that can be made in the sector;

E. calls on the Government to immediately commit to a review of the present rates system and identify better and fairer alternatives such as a self assessment method;

F. further calls on the Government to immediately begin a process of substantial commercial valuation reduction across each local authority in the country;

G. advocates that the Government implements an effective rebate and refund scheme for small businesses;

H. further advocates that the Government introduce a rate system which is user friendly and recognises economic circumstances and the ability to pay;

I. calls on the Government specifically to delete the subsequent occupier clause and apply that retrospectively

J. urges the Government to ensure that seasonality is taken into account in calculating the valuation of business properties that are fully closed for a significant part of the year;

K. advocates that the Government grant a 50% reduction on the rates charged on offshore islands in view of the additional cost of doing business in the islands;

L. urges the Government to implement immediately the recommendations of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group.”


Cllr Kenneth N. O'Flynn







24 nov 11




The Motion of Cork City Council
Cork City Council replaces all the cobblestone work in Chapel Hill Shandon with new cobblestone

Cllr Kenneth O'Flynn PC









23 nov 11
That Cork City Council Calls on the Government to commit to an urgent review of local authority rates with a view to introducing a much fairer and more reasonable system for local businesses.














22 Nov
That Cork City Council calls on the government two



A. keep their promise made by Ruairi Quinn TD, as Labour Spokesperson on Education four days before the General Election held on the 25th February to the Union of Students of Ireland not to implement student fees nor increase the Student registration fee and to reverse the increase of €500 made the last Government
B. oppose the decision to reduce grant aid to those students pursuing Masters, Post Grad, Higher Diplomas and PhD level courses

C. for acknowledgement of the need for a properly funded 3rd and 4th Level Education system that allows all students attend regardless of their financial background

Cllr Kenneth N. O'Flynn










30-oct-11

That cork city council call on the Minster of finance to provide much needed funding for the docklands bridge and development.








26-oct-2011
Motion for Council



That Cork City Council open Cork City Hall Concert hall on a Sunday afternoon by-monthly, to facilitate a senior citizen tea dance inviting all senior citizen groups from across the city to take part.

Kenneth N. O'Flynn







24- oct-2011
That cork city council develop an application for smart phones giving detailed city guide of the following:
1. Hotels
2. Restaurants
3. Shops
4. arts and craft
5. Farmers Markets
6. Nightlife, entertainment and cinema
7. Tourism
8. Culture
9. Art
10. Festival information
11. touristic activities
12. Golf course
13. Taxi and rent a car
14. Essentials
15. Maps.
16. Spa
17. Sporting events

Funding may be found for this by way of selling advertising on the application making it Self supporting


Kenneth N. O'Flynn



15- oct -11



That Cork City Council introduce a full ban on election posters throughout the city and ensure that postings can only be used on private billboards or on private property.



12-oct-11

That Cork City Council introduce an incentive program for commercial ratepayers who are continuously upgrading the appearance of their property in the city.



11-Oct-2011



That a role of Cultural Ambassador be established on Cork City Council. The role should be occupied by a well-known public figure that has worked in the arts and cultural arena. The ambassadorship would be primarily to promote festivals and events in Cork and the advancement of Cork as the cultural hub of Ireland.




29 sep
Motion for Council


That Cork City Council immediately cleans out the River Bride and cut back all branches protruding over the river and neighbouring gardens


28 Sep
Motion
That Cork City Council in conjunction with An Garda Siochana install CCTV in Kerry Hall Road and Fair Hill
Cllr Kenneth O’Flynn P.C.

28 Sep
Motion for Council



That Cork City Council install traffic claming measures on Assumption Road
Councillor Kenneth O'Flynn


18/8/2011: Motion for Cork City Council

That Cork City Council introduce A Non-motorised passenger transporter bye laws

With Requirements, of the following:
1. Issue of Licence
2. Obligation to obtain a Licence.
3. Fee for Licence
4. Designated Hiring Stands
5. Number of Licences granted annually
6. Requirements for issue of Licence
7. Particulars on Licence
8. Conditions of Licence
9. Right of Appeal
10.Obligation to present valid licence for inspection.
11.Renewal of Licence
12.Return of, and re-issue of Licence
13.Indemnity from Liability
14.Obligation of operator for repair and cleanliness of vehicle
15.Conditions for parking of vehicle
16.Issue and Display of Assigned Licence number on vehicle
17.Permitted number of passengers in respect of Rickshaw
18.Prohibition on certain parts of City where Rickshaws /Hackney carriages shall not be operated through at any time.
19.Permitted number of passengers in respect of Hackney carriage
20.Suitability of Horse(s)
21.Condition on Treatment of Horse(s)
22.Conditions for operator on conduct of Horse(s)
23.Obligation for management and disposal of waste
24.Rules of Conduct for Proprietor/Driver of Rickshaw/Hackney carriage
25.Obligation to provide vehicle with adequate lighting
26.Obligation to display Schedule of Fares
27.Prohibition on placement of advertising signage in public areas
28.Prohibition the operation of non-motorised commercial transporters and other non- motorised passenger vehicles
29.Return and Transfer of Licence
30.Falsified documents
31.Offences
32.Non-Compliance with Bye-Laws and Contravention of Bye-Law



Kenneth N. O'Flynn


Motion for Council

That Cork City Council in conjunction with Cork County Council create an exploratory research committee with responsibility for maximizing Corks harbour potential for both boats and yachts races and maritime events


Kenneth N. O'Flynn

O'Flynn tells City Council to get smart

Northside councillor Kenneth O'Flynn has placed a motion before Cork City Council requesting the Council to develop an application for smart phones similar to those that have been developed in other cities throughout the world

speaking to the press O'Flynn said “the present Cork city application for smart phones is nowhere near where it should be, most leading cities in the world now have developed smart applications giving full guides to the city with not only tourist information and maps etc but also hospitality, restaurants and shopping information as well as a whole host of other offers the city and region may have”

O'Flynn went on to say in fact a number of these a smart applications are now turning a profit for the local authorities as most local authorities are now selling advertising for local companies on the applications

“it's about time we as a city move with the times”, an application costs to create somewhere in the region of €2000 I believe this would be money well spent by Cork City Council its a very small investment for something that could generate more spending in the city and potentially make money for the city

Open up City Hall

Cork City councillor Kenneth called on the Cork City Manager to open up the concert hall within Cork City hall for to facilitate a Senior Citizen tea dance inviting all Senior Citizen Groups from across the city to take part.

Cllr O’Flynn said last night "that is vital our Senior Citizens are not forgotten in these harsh economic times. I want open up City Hall to Senior Citizen Groups of the City and County".

Many Senior Citizen Groups which I have had the pleasure of working with say that many members have very little to look forward to outside of events ran by their local community groups. It is my belief by opening City Hall on a bi-monthly basis to facilitate these groups would not only give our senior Citizens something to look forward to it would give them an opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones.


Recent studies carried out in the United States show that Senior Citizens who enjoyed an active social life lived an average of five years longer and are less likely to suffer from depression and other psycho-dynamics problems. Staying active as we age is important to our overall health. It is important to understand that inactivity results in consequences such as poor health and chronic illness. Physical activity can help prevent or maintain control in some chronic illnesses such as: heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and some types of cancer. Regular physical activity can also improve our overall quality of life by delaying disability and affecting how long we live.


Cllr O'Flynn has placed the motion before Cork City Council which will be debated on the Council floor shortly I'm calling on all City Council to support this motion I believe it is an integral part of Cork life to support are senior citizens

New tourism unit initiative plan for Cork City,

At a meeting of the Recreation Community and Emergency Service Strategy Policy Committee yesterday in Cork City Hall members of Cork City Council received an update on the new tourism unit (TEAM) initiative plan for Cork City, it involves the development of a number of key critical infrastructure projects for the city, speaking after the meeting councillor Kenneth O'Flynn said at the top of the agenda for the proposed development was of course the Shandon Quarter.


He confirmed that plans were well underway for a genealogy and a Diaspora Interpretive Centre to place in what was the Shandon Craft Centre. We are all very excited with plans for the Shandon area not only will we see the Craft Centre redeveloped into a state-of-the-art Diaspora and Genealogy Centre but there are also plans that are being put in place to develop a greater public realm in Shandon.


Cork City Council has confirmed that talks are well advanced with Failte Ireland and we are hopeful of an announcement in very early 2012. Among the plans discussed at the Team meeting yesterday was the reincorporation of Elizabeth Ford into the city tourism fabric, the Making of Cork a cycling hub and also putting place ambassadorship program for the city tourism


In conclusion O'Flynn said a number of smart low-cost plans are being put in place to develop the city tourism, for too many years now Cork city has been overlooked as a tourist attraction. With the recent visit of her Majesty the Queen we have experienced in the city centre a huge upsurge in tourist visiting and staying in our city and it is now up to us to take the next step is in developing and marketing of our charming city I have always believed that the service and friendliness makes Cork one of the best places to visit in our county it is about we stopped selling ourselves short.

New Household charge

Following much interest expressed by the public I am relaying to you a summary (derived from recent press coverage) of how the payment is likely to be collected and enforced.

Summary:

ANY homeowners refusing to pay the planned annual €100 household charge will not be able to dispose of their property until they stump up whatever they owe.

If they die owing the charge, it will have to be paid by whomever inherits the property, according to the Department of the Environment.

The minister also said that as the charge "represents an additional cost for homeowners", a facility will be established whereby householders can pay the charge in instalments of €25 every three months rather than as a once-off annual charge.

The €100 household charge — a precursor to a property tax and water charges — is to be introduced next January. Legislation outlining the precise charge is to be brought before the Oireachtas shortly.

The charge will paid by householders on a "self-assessment" basis similar to the non-principal private residences charge, meaning that it is up to the householder to make sure it is paid and paid promptly.

"It will be a matter for owners of residential property to register and pay the charge by the due date. In the event of non-payment, penalties will apply and unpaid household charges will remain as a charge against the property concerned," said Mr Hogan.

The Local Government Management Agency is developing an online system to allow homeowners to pay the household charge by credit or debit card.

Homeowners will also be able to make payments by cheque or postal order through the post to the agency. A bureau will be set up within the organisation to administer the charge for all local authorities.

Proposed Rezoning Ellis Yard -for a new Travellers Halting Site

Proposed Rezoning Ellis Yard -for a new Travellers Halting Site



At Monday night’s meeting of Cork City Council I strongly opposed the proposal to rezone Ellis Yard. this proposal would allow the provision of an additional 20 bays for caravans on a 2.5 acre site. This is in addition to the 10 Bays already in the Spring Lane/ Ballyvolane Halting site.

The council passed a motion to allow this proposal to go to public consultation.

I strongly opposed this motion and was supported by my ward colleagues Councillor Gosch and Clancy

In my opinion the Council should provide houses in a rural environment for travelling families and not be spending substantial monies on providing Bays which are a short-term solution.

The people of Ballyvolane accepted the present halting site for many years but were opposed to any further development down through the years.

I will continue on your behalf to oppose this proposal. I urge you to voice your concerns regarding rezoning of Ellis Yard by making a submission to Cork City Council Planning and Policy Section on proposed variation No 6 Traveller Halting Sites Ballyvolane.

Prevention & Security for older people.Tuesday 27th September 2011

An Garda Síochána in conjunction with Cork City Partnership are holding an information event in the Millennium Hall on Tuesday 27th September 2011 at 10:30am.

Speakers will include: Sergeant Tony Davis, Crime Prevention Unit, Anglesea Street Garda Station, Sergeant Trevor Laffan, Community Policing, Anglesea Street Garda Station and John O’Mahony, Development Officer, Age Action Cork.

There will also be information on financial issues and the Friendly Call Service.

For further information please contact:

Linda Mc Kernan
Community Development Worker
Cork City Partnership
021 4302310
lmckernan@partnershipcork.ie

Tax Returns

With constituents struggling for every euro, many may not be aware of the savings they can make when filing their tax returns on the 31st of October.

Many of the methods of relief that individuals are entitled to go unclaimed every year – and your constituents may be unaware of some of them. In fact, it is estimated that up to €420 million is going unclaimed by taxpayers each year.

Should you or your constituents have any queries with regards to Revenue in the run up to the approaching deadline, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

The information provided below will provide you with an overview of the relief available to your constituents.

As always, please contact me if I can assist you with any matter.

Is mise le meas,

Cllr Kenneth N. O'Flynn

Note:

The list below refers only to income tax.
Your tax credits are deducted from your gross tax to arrive at the actual amount of tax that you have to pay, or ‘net’. Even if you start working during a tax year, you will be entitled to a full year’s tax credits. Please check with your local tax office to ensure that you are receiving all the tax credits and relief for the tax year 2010 that you are entitled to before the 31st October 2011.
Please contact Revenue for more information on conditions.


Credits/Relief: See www.revenue.ie for full information on each.
1) Rent-a-room relief
2) Childcare Services
3) Rent Relief for Private Rented Accommodation
4) Tax Relief for Home Mortgage interest (granted at source)
5) Relief for Improvements/Repairs/Non secured Home Loans (claimed by end of year review)
6) Relief on Medical/Health Insurance premiums at source or Revenue approved health Benefit schemes
7) Revenue Job Assist
8) Service (Bin) Charges (can be claimed for up to 4 years)
9) Home Carers
10) Trade Union Subscriptions
11) Health/Medical Expenses Relief (can be claimed for up to 4 years)
12) Tuition Fees
13) Covenants
14) Leasing Farmland
15) Pension Contributions
16) Redundancy & Retirement Annuities
17) Maintenance Payments
18) Business Expansion Scheme
19) Systematic Short Term Workers Relief (Income Tax Exemption for Jobseekers Benefit Recipients)

Personal Tax Credits
The following chart gives details of the main personal tax credits for the tax years 2010 and 2011
Details of personal tax credits for 2010/2011
NB: Civil Partnership changes apply from 1 January 2011 only
Personal CircumstancesTax Year 2010Tax Year 2011
Single Person€1,830€1,650
Married Person or Civil Partner Tax Credit€3,660€3,300
Widowed Person or Surviving Civil Partner qualifying for One Parent Family Tax Credit€1,830€1,650
Widowed Person or Surviving Civil Partner without dependent children€2,430€2,190
Widowed Person or Surviving Civil Partner in year of bereavement €3,660€3,300
One-Parent Family, Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner , Deserted, Separated or Dissolved Civil Partnership, Divorced or Single (with qualifying dependent children, see note 1) €1,830€1,650
Widowed Person or Surviving Civil Partner with dependant child tax credit bereaved in 2010---€3,600
Bereaved in 2009€4,000€3,150
Bereaved in 2008€3,500€2,700
Bereaved in 2007€3,000€2,250
Bereaved in 2006€2,500€1,800
Bereaved in 2005€2,000---
Home Carer (max.) €900€810
PAYE Tax Credit €1,830€1,650
Age Tax Credit if Single or Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner€325€245
Age Tax Credit if Married or In a Civil Partnership €650€490
Incapacitated Child (See note 1) €3,660€3,300
Dependent Relative (See note 1) €80€70
Blind Tax Credit - Single €1,830*€1,650*
Blind Tax Credit - One Spouse or Civil Partner Blind €1,830*€1,650*
Blind Tax Credit - Both Spouses or Civil Partners Blind €3,660*€3,300*
Incapacitated Person - Allowance for Employing a Carer €50,000**max €50,000**max
Tax Rates and Tax Bands
Tax rates and bands applicable to your personal circumstance in tax year 2010 and tax year 2011
NB: Civil Partnership changes apply from 1 January 2011 only
Personal CircumstancesTax Year 2010 Tax Year 2011
Single or Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner without dependent children€36,400 @ 20%, Balance @ 41%€32,800 @ 20%, Balance @ 41%
Single or Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner qualifying for One Parent Family Tax Credit €40,400 @ 20%, Balance @ 41% €36,800 @ 20%, Balance @ 41%
Married or In a Civil Partnership - one Spouse or Civil Partner with income €45,400 @ 20%, Balance @ 41% €41,800 @ 20%, Balance @ 41%
Married or In a Civil Partnership - both Spouses or Civil Partners with income €45,400 @ 20% (with an increase of €27,400 max), Balance @ 41% €41,800 @ 20% (with an increase of €23,800 max), Balance @ 41%


Home Carer's Tax Credit
A tax credit at the standard rate of tax (20%) in the tax years 2010 and 2011 is available for Married Couples or Civil Partners
One Spouse or Civil Partner (the 'home carer') works in the home caring for one or more dependent persons, i.e. a child for whom they are entitled to child benefit from the Department of Social Protection, a person aged 65 or over, or a person who is permanently incapacitated by reason of mental or physical infirmity and the qualifying person normally resides with the Couple for the year.
The home carer’s income is not in excess of €5,080. A reduced tax credit applies where the income is between €5,080 and €6,880 in 2010 or between €5,080 and €6,700 in 2011.
The tax credit is not available to Married Couples or Civil Partners that are taxed as single persons. Neither is the tax credit available to Married Couples or Civil Partners with combined incomes over €45,400 in the tax years 2010 or €41,800 in 2011 and who claim the increased standard rate tax band for dual income Couples.

Health/Medical Expenses Relief
You may claim tax relief on a Form MED 1, at the standard rate of tax (20%), from 1 January 2009 (with the exception of nursing home expenses for which tax relief is still available at your highest rate of tax) for certain medical expenses incurred by you, on your own behalf or on behalf of another person. Most medical expenses, with some exceptions e.g. routine dental and ophthalmic care, qualify for relief.
You cannot claim relief for any expenditure which has been or will be reimbursed, e.g. by Hibernian Aviva Health, Quinn-healthcare, VHI, a Health Authority, or where a compensation payment is made or will be made.

Tuition Fees
Tax relief at the standard rate of tax (20%) in the tax years 2010 and 2011 is available for certain tuition fees. The maximum limit on such qualifying fees for the academic years 2010/2011 is €5,000 and 2011/2012 is €7,000.
2011/2012 only: the first €2,000 of each claim is disregarded for relief, where any one of the students in respect of whom the relief is claimed is a full-time student. In the case of a claim for relief where all the students concerned are studying part-time, the first €1,000 of the claim for relief is disregarded.

Tax Relief Available to Systematic Short-time Workers
The exemption from income tax for Jobseeker's Benefit paid to systematic short-time workers has been extended indefinitely.

Universal Social Charge (USC)
The Universal Social Charge is a tax payable on gross income, including notional pay, after any relief for certain capital allowances, but before pension contributions. The Universal Social Charge is effective with effect from the 1/1/2011 and it replaces the Income Levy and the Health Contribution.
The rates of Universal Social Charge are:
•2% on the first €10,036
•4% on the next €5,980
•7% on the balance.
However, these standard rates are modified in certain circumstances. In the case of individuals aged 70 or over, and individuals who hold full medical cards, the 4% rate applies to all income over €10,036.
There is a surcharge of 3% on individuals who have income from self-employment that exceeds €100,000 in a year, regardless of age. Thus, where such individuals are under 70 years and do not hold a full medical card, a rate of 10% applies to such income and where such individuals are aged over 70 years or hold a full medical card, a rate of 7% applies.
Exempt Categories:
•Where an individual's total income for a year does not exceed €4,004
•All Dept of Social Protection payments
•Income already subjected to DIRT.

PRSI - Self-Employed
Class S (Self-Employed)
Tax Year 2011
Self Employed Income chargeable as below:Total
PRSI on all income4%


Self-employed persons are exempt from Health Contribution where the annual income is €26,000 or less in 2010. The minimum annual PRSI contribution is €253.
Note: Recipients of a Department of Social Welfare Protection Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension, Deserted Wife’s Benefit/Allowance or One-Parent Family Payment are exempt from paying the Health Contribution in 2010. Holders of a 'Full' Medical Card and people aged 70 and over are also exempt from this contribution in 2010.

2011: The Employee PRSI ceiling has been abolished. The Health Contribution (and the Income Levy) has been abolished and has been replaced with the Universal Social Charge with effect from 1/1/2011

To request any Revenue Form or Leaflet LoCall 1890 306 706 (ROI only), +353 1 7023050 (from abroad), visit any Revenue Office