Revenue open helpline for pension queries

Anyone with a query about extra tax owed by pensioners, following an under-calculation of their liabilities, is being asked to call a special helpline set up by the Revenue Commissioners.

It follows an admission by Revenue on Thursday night that 115,000 people aged over 65 could pay extra tax this year because they have both a State pension and private pension.

The helpline numbers, which are available between 9.30 and 4.30 today, are detailed on letters sent to the pensioners affected.

There has been widespread criticism of Revenue's handling of the revelations by oppostion parties and groups representing older people.

Details of the 1890 numbers are contained in the letters sent to the pensioners affected and are as follows:

* Dublin City and County: 1890-333 425

* Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath: 1890- 777 425

* Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick: 1890-222 425

* Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Meath, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow: 1890-444 425

Pensioners with concerns are also being advised to contact the Citizens Information Service on 0761 07 4000, or www.citizensinformation.ie.