66 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Finance the cost of exempting people over 70 years of age from all the income levies; the corresponding cost of exempting people over 75 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23262/96]

An exemption threshold of £9,750 per annum (£188 per week) is currently in force for all individuals who are liable for the health contribution and the employment and training levy.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that statistics are not available in a form which would enable the precise information requested by the Deputy to be provided. However, for illustrative purposes, it is tentatively estimated that the additional cost of providing a full exemption for individuals aged 65 years or over from both levies is of the order of £28 million in a full year.