The government’s new scheme to encourage people to staycation and spend money in Irish hospitality businesses discriminates against older people a Galway TD has said.
The Stay & Spend scheme offers up to €125 in income tax credits to people who spend up to €625 in hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses in Ireland.
In order to make use of this scheme on their staycation, people must have an income tax liability against which the credits can be applied.
Galway TD Denis Naughten says that this discriminates against older people who may not have a tax liability, and thus can’t use the credits.
“While the principle behind the new scheme is welcome, a tax credit scheme is of no benefit to many older people who would traditionally have holidayed at home in the off-season,” stated Denis Naughten.
The credits apply only to food and non-alcoholic drinks, so alcohol spending in pubs would not be covered.
The Stay and Spend scheme will run from October 1 through to April 30, 2021, but businesses can register to take part now.
In order to participate, businesses must also be registered with the Revenue Commissioners, and have tax clearance.
