On thin ice

AS Enid O’Dowd says (‘Why ice victims are getting a bad break from the Government — twice’, Letters, January 16), the Government in its wisdom prioritised the artists’ tax exemption for a “needy” pensioner for a ghostwritten book over the needs of ice victims having to pay privately for physio sessions.

The figure quoted for the advance this needy pensioner received is €100,000.

As the needy pensioner has a Dáil salary of more than €100,000, his Taoiseach’s pension and other earnings, he is clearly on the top rate of tax (41%) and will save €41,000 in income tax from the Government’s largesse.

This money would pay for approximately 700 physio sessions for those who slipped on the ice.

It’s pertinent to note that these ice victims pay a 4% health levy on their earnings in addition to only being able to claim tax relief at the standard rate on their medical expenses claims.

Margaret Morris

Lr Camden Street

Dublin 2