Fianna Fáil TD Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher is seeking a firm commitment from Minister for Finance Michael Noonan T.D. that the Seafarers allowance will be extended and rolled out as part of Budget 2017.
His comments come following a reply from the Minister of Finance to a Dail question raised by Deputy Gallagher.
Pat ‘The Cope’ told Donegal Daily, “I called on the Minister to implement the measure as proposed by the Marine Tax review regarding the seafarers’ allowance, and I expressed my disappointment that the allowance was not brought back as part of the current 2016 Budget process and Finance Bill.
“The matter was brought before the Dail in early April by way of questions to the Minister, on that occasion the reply obtained by Gallagher indicated the Department were seeking to have any outstanding difficulties resolved so that it would form part of the Budget 2017 announcements.
“It is now imperative the Department and Minister stand by their commitment and introduce the Seafarers allowance, so fishermen and their families can benefit directly from the allowance.
“It is not acceptable that there are ongoing delays in introducing this measure.
“I’m committed to holding the Minister and Department officials to account for the commitment given earlier regarding the Seafarers Allowance.”
Gallagher concluded by expressing disappointment at the delay in re-introducing the allowance and called on Minister Noonan to take immediate action and insure it forms part of Budget 2017 announcements.