Local TD calls for SARP’s Abolition

Ryan calls for abolition of this type of tax relief

Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South, Patricia Ryan, has called for the abolition of the Special Assignee Relief Programme (SARP).

SARP provides Income Tax relief for certain people who are assigned to work in Ireland from abroad. Applicants must be assigned by a relevant employer to work in Ireland for that employer or an associated company. SARP provides for relief from Income Tax on 30% of income over €75,000, subject to an upper income threshold, where applicable. School fees of up to €5,000 per annum and expenses incurred on one trip home per year, where they are paid for by the employer, are not subject to Income Tax, USC or PRSI.

Patricia said: “1481 individuals availed of  €42.4 million in 2018, an average of  €28,629 per person, the latest year for which figures are available. Since its inception in 2012, the scheme has cost over €100 million. This money would have been better of spent on those that need it, such as our older people. SARP is an elitist tax relief, and has no place in a modern republic.

Click here for transcript of Dáil Éireann debate between Patricia Ryan TD and Minister for Finance Pascal Donohoe.