57. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Finance the cost of increasing the small gift exemption from €500 to €650; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2599/16]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the small gift exemption is an annual small benefits relief that applies to a one off benefit not exceeding €500, the value of which can be disregarded for PAYE/USC/PRSI purposes.

With a view to keeping the scheme simple and reducing administration on the part of employers, there is no notification procedure for employers involved.  Accordingly, the Revenue Commissioners do not have statistics on the uptake of the scheme, and therefore there is no basis on which to provide a cost in increasing the exemption.