Ag dul ar scor i 2013 - Retiring in 2013

Bíodh Eolas agat ar do Chearta : Ag dul ar scor i 2013

Nollaig 2012
Ceist
Beidh mé 65 bliain d’aois i 2013 agus tá sé beartaithe agam dul ar scor ón obair. Céard is gá bheith ar eolas agam faoi phinsin agus sochair eile agus mé imithe ar scor?

Freagra
Tá 3 phinsean Stáit ar fáil. Má tá dóthain ranníocaíochtaí ÁSPC agat agus má théann tú ar scor ag 65 bliain, beidh tú i dteideal an Pinsean Stáit (Idirthréimhse) a fháil a íoctar ar feadh bliain amháin. Ní íocfar an pinsean seo a thuilleadh le héilitheoirí nua ón 1 Eanáir 2014 ar aghaidh. Má cháilítear thú don Phinsean (Stáit Idirthréimhse) i 2013, beidh tú fós i dteideal é a fháil d’fhad d’éilimh.
Ag 66 bliain, beidh tú i dteideal Pinsean Stáit (Ranníocach) a fháil má chomhlíonann tú na riachtanais maidir le ranníocaíocht ÁSPC. Mura ndearna tú dóthain ranníocaíochtaí ÁSPC, féadfaidh tú iarratas a dhéanamh ar Phinsean Stáit (Neamhranníocach), ar a ndéantar tástáil mhaoine. Ba cheart duit iarratas a dhéanamh ar gach pinsean Stáit ar a laghad 3 mhí roimh ré agus 6 mhí roimh ré má chónaigh tú riamh thar lear agus má d'íoc tú ranníocaíochtaí thar lear.
Má aistríonn tú ó fhostaíocht go dtí scor le linn na bliana, ba cheart duit Ráiteas Comhardaithe ÍMAT (P21) a fháil ó d’oifig chánach ag deireadh na bliana. Déanfaidh seo aon ró-íocaíocht cánach a rinne tú a aisíoc. Tá d’ioncam go léir inchánaithe (do phinsean Stáit agus aon phinsean gairme). Íocann daoine atá 65 bliain d’aois nó níos sine níos lú cánach mar gheall go bhfuil roinnt creidmheasanna breise cánach acu agus teorainneacha speisialta díolúine cánach acu (nach bhfuil aon cháin le híoc faoina mbun).
Tá gach duine atá níos sine ná 66 bliain d’aois díolmhaithe ó ÁSPC a íoc agus íocann daoine atá níos sine ná 70 bliain d’aois íosráta den Mhuirear Sóisialta Uilíoch. Ag aois 66 bliain, tá tú i dteideal Pas Saorthaistil a fháil, chomh maith, agus d’fhéadfá bheith i dteideal an Pacáiste Sochair Teaghlaigh a fháil, a áiríonn ceadúnas teilifíse saor in aisce, liúntas leictreachais/gáis agus liúntas gutháin. Tá teorainneacha ioncaim le haghaidh cártaí leighis i bhfad níos airde do dhaoine os cionn 70 bliain d’aois.

Foilsíonn an Bord um Fhaisnéis do Shaoránaigh leabhar dar teideal Entitlements for over sixties (Teidlíochtaí do dhaoine os cionn seasca bliain d’aois) a chuimsíonn do chearta, do theidlíochtaí agus na seirbhísí atá ar fáil de réir mar a dhruideann tú i dtreo aois an scoir. Féadfaidh tú cóip a iarraidh ón Ionad áitiúil um Fhaisnéis do Shaoránaigh.
Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ón Ionad Faisnéise do Shaoránaigh thíos.
Chuir Ionad Faisnéise do Shaoránaigh An Clocháin Liath ‘Bíodh Eolas agat ar do Chearta’ le chéile. Cuireann an tIonad seo seirbhís shaor in aisce agus faoi rún ar fáil don phobal. Teil: 0761075430 Seoladh: Ionad Seirbhisí Pobail An Clocháin Liath
Tá faisnéis le fáil freisin ar líne ag citizensinformation.ie agus ón tSeirbhís Teileafóin um Fhaisnéis do Shaoránaigh, 0761 07 4000.
Know Your Rights : Retiring in 2013
December 2012

Question
I will be 65 in 2013 and plan to retire from work. What do I need to know about
pensions and other benefits in retirement?

Answer
There are 3 State pensions available. If you have enough PRSI contributions and you retire at 65 you are entitled to the State Pension (Transition) which is paid for 1 year. This pension will no longer be paid to new claimants from 1 January 2014. However, if you qualify for the State Pension Transition in 2013 you remain entitled to it for the duration of your claim.
At 66, you are entitled to the State Pension (Contributory) if you meet the PRSI contribution requirements. If you have not made enough PRSI contributions, you can apply for a State Pension (Non-Contributory), which is means-tested. You should apply for all State pensions at least 3 months in advance and 6 months if you have ever lived and paid contributions abroad.
If you move from employment to retirement during the year, you should get a PAYE Balancing Statement (P21) from your tax office at the end of the year. This will trigger a refund of any overpayment of tax you might have made. All your income is taxable (your State pension plus any occupational pension). However people aged 65 or over pay less tax since they have some extra tax credits and special tax exemption limits (below which no tax is payable).
Everyone over 66 is exempt from paying PRSI and people over 70 pay a lower rate of Universal Social Charge. At 66 you are also eligible for a Free Travel Pass and may be eligible for the Household Benefits Package, which includes the free TV licence, electricity/gas allowance and telephone allowance. Income limits for medical cards are much higher for people over 70.
The Citizens Information Board publishes a book Entitlements for over sixties which covers your rights, entitlements and the services available as you approach retirement age. You can request a copy from your local Citizens Information Centre.
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Dungloe Citizens Information Service, which provides a free and confidential service to the public.

Tel: 0761075430 Address: Dungloe Public Services Centre.
Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000.

Folúntas Páirtaimseartha - Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Teo

Tá folúntas páirtaimseartha sa chomharchumann (14 uair sa tseachtain, uaireanta solúbtha)

Cúramaí an phoist
Forbairt pobail
Plé le eagraíochtaí pobail & deonacha
Cúramaí riaracháin & cumarsáide
Cúramaí Tiomána

Riachtanaisí
Gaeilge Líofa
Scileanna maithe riaracháin agus cumarsáide
Taithí ag plé le forbairt pobail & eagrais pobail
Eolach ar cheantair imeallacha
Ceadúnas Tiomána Iomlán

Iarratas:
Foirmeacha iarratais ar fáil ó:
Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Teo
Árainn Mhór
Co Dhún na nGall
nó ag an seoladh ríomhphost
comharchumann@oileanarainnmhoir.com
074 9520533
Spriocdháta le haghaidh iarratais: 15 Nollaig 2012

Bíodh Eolas agat ar do Chearta : Ag coimeád te sa gheimhreadh Know Your Rights : Keeping warm in winter

Bíodh Eolas agat ar do Chearta : Ag coimeád te sa gheimhreadh

Nollaig 2012
Ceist
Deirtear go mbeidh geimhreadh fuar eile ann i mbliana. Is beag ioncam atá agam. Cén chabhair atá ann chun íoc as na costais a bhaineann le mo theach a théamh?

Freagra

Féadfaidh teaghlaigh ísealioncaim cabhair a fháil le costais bhreosla le haghaidh téamh tí. Ina theannta sin, is ann do scéimeanna chun cabhrú leat do theach a insliú agus chun áit níos teo a dhéanamh de agus chun do chostais téimh a laghdú.
Íoctar Liúntas Breosla €20 sa tseachtain le daoine a bhraitheann ar íocaíochtaí fadtéarmacha leasa shóisialaigh agus nach bhfuil in ann íoc as a riachtanais féin téimh. Oibríonn an scéim ar feadh 26 seachtain idir Deireadh Fómhair agus Aibreán. Má tá íocaíochtaí leasa shóisialaigh á bhfáil agat nó má tá tú os cionn 70 bliain d’aois, d’fhéadfá cáiliú le haghaidh an Phacáiste Sochair Teaghlaigh a áiríonn liúntas leictreachais nó gáis nádúrtha.
Tá sé mar chuspóir ag an scéim Fuinneamh Níos Fearr, Tithe Níos Teo feabhas a chur ar éifeachtúlacht fuinnimh agus ar theas tithe atá faoi úinéireacht daoine ag a bhfuil ioncam ísle. Tá an scéim á hoibriú ag Údarás Fuinnimh Inmharthana na hÉireann (SEAI), agus tá fáil ar an scéim ar fud na tíre. Ní mór duit bheith mar úinéir tí agus ní mór gur tógadh do theach roimh 2002. Beidh tú incháilithe má tá Liúntas Breosla nó Forlíonadh Ioncam Teaghlaigh á fháil agat, nó má tá leanaí faoi 7 mbliana d’aois agat agus má tá Liúntas Cuardaitheora Poist á fháil agat ar feadh 6 mhí nó níos faide. Má chónaigh tú i gcóiríocht ar cíos, d'fhéadfadh go mbeadh do thiarna talún in ann deontas a fháil faoin scéim ar leith Tithe le Fuinneamh Níos Fearr chun teach níos teo agus níos éifeachtúla i dtaobh fuinnimh de a dhéanamh de do theach.

Áirítear leis an obair a maoinítear faoin dá scéim seo insliú áiléir, teach a dhéanamh díonmhar ar shéideáin, seaicéid fálaithe, bolgáin solais ísealfuinnimh agus insliú balla chuasaigh. Ina theannta sin, is féidir leat comhairle faoi fhuinneamh a fháil.

Tugtar comhairle ar láithreán gréasáin wellandwarm.ie faoi conas coimeád te sa gheimhreadh agus tugtar sonraí ar sheirbhísí atá ar fáil do dhaoine a mbíonn deacrachtaí acu lena dtithe a choimeád te. Ina theannta sin, féadfaidh tú an leabhrán Keeping well and warm (Coimeád te agus folláin) a fháil trí ríomhphost a sheoladh chuig warmerhomes@seai.ie nó trí ghlao ar 1800 250 204. Sa mhullach air sin, tá comhairle mhaith le fáil ar Winterready.ie faoi dhul i ngleic le drochaimsir.

Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ón Ionad Faisnéise do Shaoránaigh thíos.

Chuir Ionad Faisnéise do Shaoránaigh An Clochain Liath ‘Bíodh Eolas agat ar do Chearta’ le chéile. Cuireann an tIonad seo seirbhís shaor in aisce agus faoi rún ar fáil don phobal. Teil: 0761075430 Seoladh: Ionad Seirbhisí Pobal an Clocháin Liath

Tá faisnéis le fáil freisin ar líne ag citizensinformation.ie agus ón tSeirbhís Teileafóin um Fhaisnéis do Shaoránaigh, 0761 07 4000.

Know Your Rights : Keeping warm in winter
December 2012
Question
I hear it’s going to be another cold winter. I am on a very low income. What help is available for the costs of heating my home?
Answer
Low-income households can get help with the costs of fuel for home heating. There are also schemes to help you insulate your home to make it warmer and to cut your heating costs.

A Fuel Allowance of €20 per week is paid to people who are dependent on long-term social welfare payments and who are unable to provide for their own heating needs. The scheme operates for 26 weeks from October to April. If you are getting certain social welfare payments or are over 70 you may qualify for the Household Benefits Package which includes an electricity or natural gas allowance.

The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people on low incomes. It is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and is available nationwide. You must be a homeowner and your home must have been built before 2002. You are eligible if you are getting Fuel Allowance or Family Income Supplement, or if you have children under 7 and are getting Jobseeker’s Allowance for 6 months or more.

If you live in private rented accommodation your landlord may be able to get a grant under the separate Better Energy Homes scheme to make your home warmer and more energy efficient.

The work funded under both of these schemes includes attic insulation, draught-proofing, lagging jackets, low-energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation. You can also get energy advice.

The wellandwarm.ie website gives advice on keeping warm in the winter and gives details of services available to people who may struggle to keep their houses warm. You can also get a Keeping well and warm booklet by emailing warmerhomes@seai.ie or calling 1800 250 204. Winterready.ie also gives advice on coping with bad weather.

Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below.
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Dungloe Citizens Information Service, which provides a free and confidential service to the public.
Tel: 0761075430 Address: Dungloe Public Services Centre, Dungloe
Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000

Know Your Rights : Shopping in the sales Bíodh Eolas agat ar do Chearta : Siopadóireacht le linn na ndíolachán

Nollaig 2012
Ceist
Táim ag tnúth le siopadóireacht a dhéanamh sna díolacháin a bheidh ar siúl i ndiaidh na Nollag. Céard iad mo chuid cearta tomhaltóirí nuair a bhím ag siopadóireacht le linn díolacháin?
Freagra
Tá na cearta díreacha céanna agat nuair a bhíonn tú ag siopadóireacht sna díolacháin a bhíonn agat ag aon tráth eile den bhliain. Ciallaíonn seo nach mór go mbeidh aon rud a dhíoltar i ndíolachán ar cháilíocht indíoltachta, go mbeidh sé oiriúnach don fheidhm agus gurb ionann an t-earra agus an t-earra ar a ndearnadh cur síos. Má tá earra lochtach, ní athraítear do chearta díreach mar gheall go raibh an t-earra i ndíolachán. Tharlódh nach mbeadh forais ann le haghaidh sásaimh, áfach, má cuireadh ar an eolas thú faoin locht sular cheannaigh tú an t-earra (mar shampla má bhí marcáil ar na hearraí a thug le fios go ndearnadh díobháil dóibh sa siopa).

Má tá earra lochtach, tá tú i dteideal deisiú, earra ionaid nó aisíocaíocht a fháil. Ní shonraítear sa reachtaíocht cibé acu arb é an miondíoltóir/an soláthróir nó an custaiméir a dhéanann an cinneadh cén fhoirm shásaimh a chuirfear ar fáil. Luann go leor miondíoltóirí cén rogha a thabharfaidh siad duit ar pointe an díola. Má bhíonn fadhb agat le hearraí a cheannaigh tú ar lánphraghas atá anois ar díol ar praghas laghdaithe, tá tú i dteideal aisíocaíocht an lánphraghais a fháil (má tá an siopa toilteanach chun aisíocaíocht a thabhairt seachas malartú nó deisiú).
Níl tú i dteideal malartú (nó aisíocaíocht nó nóta creidmheasa) a fháil díreach mar gheall gur tháinig athrú intinne ort faoi earra éigin a cheannaigh tú i siopa, cibé acu má bhíonn seo le linn na ndíolacháin nó ag tráth ar bith eile den bhliain. Ceadaíonn go leor siopaí duit earraí a mhalartú ar bhfuil tú ar athsmaoineamh, ach is faoin siopa féin atá seo. Smaoineamh maith atá ann chun beartas aisíocaíochta an tsiopa a sheiceáil sula gceannaíonn tú rud ar bith.
Má cheannaíonn tú earraí ar lánphraghais ach má thagann athrú intinne ort fúthu, agus má tá siad ar díol anois ar praghas níos ísle, tharlódh nach dtabharfaí ar ais duit ach an tsuim laghdaithe (má tá an siopa toilteanach chun d’airgead a thabhairt ar ais duit). Ba cheart duit d’fháltais a choimeád i gcónaí mar chruthúnas den cheannach agus den phraghas a d'íoc tú.

Chun teacht ar a thuilleadh faisnéise, tabhair cuairt ar láithreán gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta Náisiúnta do Thomhaltóirí ag nca.ie. Tá a thuilleadh faisnéise ar fáil, chomh maith, ón Ionad Faisnéis do Shaoránaigh thíos.

Chuir Ionad Faisnéise do Shaoránaigh An Clochain Liath ‘Bíodh Eolas agat ar do Chearta’ le chéile. Cuireann an tIonad seo seirbhís shaor in aisce agus faoi rún ar fáil don phobal. Teil: 0761075430 Seoladh: Ionad Seirbhisí Pobail, An Clocháin Liath

Tá faisnéis le fáil freisin ar líne ag citizensinformation.ie agus ón tSeirbhís Teileafóin um Fhaisnéis do Shaoránaigh, 0761 07 4000.

December 2012

Question

I’m looking forward to shopping in the post-Christmas sales. What are my consumer rights when shopping during a sale?

Answer

You have exactly the same rights when shopping in the sales as you do at any other time of the year.

This means that anything sold in a sale must be of merchantable quality, fit for its intended purpose and as described to you. If an item is faulty, your rights do not change just because it was on sale. However, you may not have grounds for redress if you were told about the defect before you bought the item (for example, if the goods were marked 'shopsoiled').
If an item is faulty, you are entitled to a repair, replacement or refund. The legislation does not specify whether it is the retailer/supplier or the customer who decides which form of redress is offered. Many retailers state which option they offer you at the point of sale.
If you have a problem with goods you bought at full price which are now on sale at a reduced price, you are entitled to a refund of the full price (if the shop is willing to offer a refund rather than an exchange or repair).
However you are not entitled to an exchange (or a refund or a credit note) simply because you change your mind about something you’ve bought in a shop, whether this is during the sales or at any other time of the year. Many shops do allow you to exchange goods that you’ve had second thoughts about, but this is at their discretion. It’s a good idea to check the shop’s refund policy before buying anything.

If you buy goods at full price but change your mind about them, and they are now on sale at a lower price, you may only be offered the reduced amount (if the shop is willing to offer your money back). You should always keep your receipts as proof of purchase and the price paid.
For more information visit the National Consumer Agency’s website at nca.ie. Further information is also available from the Citizens Information Centre below.
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Dungloe Citizens Information Service, which provides a free and confidential service to the public.
Tel: 0761075430 Address: Dungloe Public Services Centre
Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000.

TEG Partial Certification Now Available!

Páirt chreidiúint TEG ar fáil ón Fhómhar seo!


Is mian le hIonad na dTeangacha, Ollscoil na hÉireann Má Nuad a fhógairt go mbeidh páirtchreidiúint ar fáil ó Fhómhar 2012 do dhaoine gur mhaith leo an scrúdú cainte amháin a dhéanamh.

Mar sin, beidh dhá rogha ag iarrthóirí gur mhaith leo cáilíocht sa Ghaeilge a bhaint amach:

1. Scrúdú iomlán TEG a dhéanamh in Aibreán/Bealtaine agus creidiúint iomlán a fháil

NÓ

2. An scrúdú cainte amháin a dhéanamh in Aibreán/Bealtaine agus páirtchreidiúint a fháil.

Beidh Ionad na dTeangacha sásta scrúduithe cainte a reáchtáil ag amanna eile i rith na bliana do ghrúpaí in ionaid ar fud na tíre.

Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ar www.teg.ie



TEG Partial Certification available from Autumn 2012!

The Language Centre at NUI Maynooth is pleased to announce that partial certification will be offered to Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge candidates who wish to have only their oral Irish skills assessed and certified.

Candidates seeking an Irish language qualification will now have two options:

1. the entire TEG exam (Oral, reading, writing, listening)can be taken in April/May and full certification will be granted, in keeping with the current system

OR

2. the oral exam can be taken as a stand-alone assessment in April/May or at other times of the year and partial certification will be granted

The Language Centre will be happy to organise oral exams for groups at other times of the year in centres throughout the country.

Further information available at www.teg.ie

Scéim Eangúcháín na nGliomach 2012 - National Lobster Notching Scheme 2012

Scéim Eangúcháín na nGliomach 2012 - National Lobster Notching Scheme 2012


Tá íocaíochtaí do rannpháirtithe sa scéim eangúcháin gliomach réitithe agus ar fáil anois ón Chomharchumann.

Payments for participants of the V Notching Scheme have been processed and are available for collection from an Comharchumann.

Cúrsa HACCP - HACCP Course

Reáchtálfar an cúrsa HACCP sa Chultúrlann ar na dátaí a leanas:
13 & 14 Samhain 2012
20 & 21 Samhain 2012
Tá dhá fholúntas ar an chúrsa. Más spéis leat an cúrsa a dhéanamh, deán teagmháil leis an chomharchumann.


The HACCP course will take place in an Chultúrlann on the following dates:
13 & 14 November 2012
20 & 21 November 2012
There are two vacancies on the course. If you are interested in completing the course, contact an Comharchumann. 074 9520533

Corrfholúntas – Casual Vacancy

Cuireann Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Teo fáilte roimh iarratais ar fholúntas a bheas ann gan mhoill d’airgeadóir chun freastal a dhéanamh, de réir mar is gá, ar stór trádála an chomharchumainn. Is féidir iarratas a dhéanamh i scríbhinn roimh 15 Lúnasa chuig: 

An Rúnaí 

Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór
Leitir Ceanainn
Co Dhún na nGall

Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Teo invites applications for an upcoming casual vacancy for a sales assistant to work in An Comharchumann store. Applications may be made in writing before 15 August to:

An Rúnaí
Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór
Leitir Ceanainn
Co Dhún na nGall

Cúrsaí Dioplóma Páirtaimseartha

An bhfuil spéis agat freastal ar chúrsa dioplóma páirtaimseartha i do cheantar áitiúil féin?
Cúrsaí:
Dioplóma i Scileanna Aistriúcháin
Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge
Dioplóma i dTeicneolaíochtaí Gnó
Dioplóma i Léann an Traidisiúin
Tús na gCúrsaí: Meán Fómhair 2012

Má tá spéis agat sna cúrsaí, ba chóir suim a léiriú a luaithe agus is féidir ag an comharchumann. 9520533

FETAC Level 6 Community Development Course

Co. Donegal VEC, with the Community Education Forum, proposes to offer a FETAC Level 6 Major Award in Community Development. The course will be held in Letterkenny and will be delivered on a part-time basis, beginning in September 2012.

The course will be suitable for those who have experience of working in voluntary, community and youth work settings and who would like to gain a recognised qualification

The following modules will be covered;

Ø  Community Development Theory

Ø  Community Development Practice

Ø  Social Analysis

Ø  Conflict Management

Ø  Policy Making in Community Development

Ø  Group work Theory & Practice:

Ø  Community Organisation Management

In order to gauge the level of interest in this course, an Information Session will be held in the           

Co. Donegal VEC Offices, Ard O Donnell, Letterkenny on Thursday 7^th June at 7pm.

If possible, please confirm your interest in attending the Information Session by contacting

Méabh Mhic Gairbheith at 074 9725520 or email maevemcgarvey@donegalvec.ie no later than 1^st June 2012.

The Green Hospitality Programme

It is the only Irish hospitality environmental certification programme that is recognised internationally, and is now one of the most successful certification Programmes in Europe.“Greening Irish Hospitality” is the focus of the Green Hospitality Programme. This is a voluntary programme that demonstrates leadership in environmental management within the hospitality sector. Members of the programme can attain green certification at a number of levels based on the implementation of a number of strict environmental criteria. The GHP offers an incremental certification (3 stages) allowing members to commence the certification process at a pace that suits their needs and ability. Certified members are recognised both nationally and internationally as committed to actively managing their environmental footprint and are taking specific actions to minimise energy consumption, water consumption and reduce waste sent to landfill. Certification allows members to market their business as green.
Who is the Programme For?

Hotels and Guesthouses
Restaurants and Pubs
Bed & Breakfast providers/ Self catering
Contract & Institutional Caterers
Leisure Centers and Spas
Clubs and Golf Clubs
Activity Providers & Tourism Attractions
Meeting and Event Centers
Festivals

If you are interested in participating in a course to become part of this programme, contact An Comharchumann to register your interest before 15 May 2012. 074 9520533

26/04/2012 - Minister of State McGinley announces the Family Language Support Programme and the Language Planning Process in the Gaeltacht

Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Dinny McGinley T.D., today (26/4/12) announced two significant initiatives under the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.


"The Family Language Support Programme and the language planning process in the Gaeltacht involve a new approach that will make a considerable difference to the implementation of the 20-Year Strategy on the ground," the Minister of State said at the launch in the Ionad Tacaíochta Teaghlaigh (An Crann Taca) in Indreabhán, Co. Galway.

Family Language Support Programme

The aim of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht's Family Language Support Programme is to strengthen the Irish language as the household and community language in the Gaeltacht in accordance with the 20-Year Strategy. Under this programme, the Department intends to undertake 12 specific measures to support Gaeltacht families who are raising their children through Irish or who wish to raise their children through Irish.

The Minister of State announced that the Department has agreed with the co-operation of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to circulate an information leaflet, regarding the advantages of raising children through Irish, to expectant mothers and mothers of newborn babies. This awareness campaign will be initiated through the maternity services operating through the HSE in Galway city, Letterkenny and Castlebar. It is also intended to broaden this campaign to maternity services which serve other Gaeltacht areas.

"This information leaflet is only the beginning of an awareness campaign to foster a better understanding among parents of the benefits of raising children through Irish. There is also a support pack, containing a CD and a book suitable for children, available to parents through my Department. All parents have to do to obtain the pack is to get in touch with my Department. It is worth mentioning also that the intention is to gradually add to this support pack," the Minister of State said.

In addition to the awareness campaign, the Minister of State announced the following new measures which will be implemented in conjunction with key stakeholders under the Family Language Support Programme:

• The Department's Summer Camps Scheme will be enhanced to focus separately on 3 to 6 year olds and on 7 to 14 year olds (as opposed to the current 4 to 7 year old age group);

• Special training courses will be held for Gaeltacht teenagers between 15 and 17 years old who speak fluent Irish to enable them to work as assistants in the Irish language summer colleges;

• Community-based Gaeltacht committees/organisations will be assisted in organising suitable activities, e.g. parent and toddler/child groups;

• The Department's Language Assistants Scheme will be developed in order to better serve children in Gaeltacht schools with regard to enrichment or acquisition of the Irish language; and

• A portal website for the Irish language will be developed to provide easy access to the public to Irish-language materials and resources. As part of this portal website, content will be developed online which will assist parents raising their children through Irish.

"Although the Family Language Support Programme will primarily serve Gaeltacht families, the support pack and online content will be available to everyone. This is of particular importance in the context of the goals specified in the 20-Year Strategy to increase the number of Irish language speakers nationally," the Minister of State said.
Language Planning Process
The Minister of State announced that the language planning process in the Gaeltacht is to begin.

"I am delighted to get the language planning process in the Gaeltacht underway today. Under the Gaeltacht Bill 2012 which is currently being drafted, the Gaeltacht will be given a new definition based on language criteria as opposed to geographical areas, as is currently the case. In accordance with the 20-Year Strategy, a language plan will be developed at community level in all Gaeltacht areas," the Minister of State said.
Under the language planning process, the Gaeltacht will be delineated into 19 distinct language planning areas. Each one of these areas will be required to prepare a language plan in due course. In order to implement a comprehensive and systematic language planning process in the Gaeltacht, the Minister of State indicated that he has invited 6 language planning areas to begin this process immediately.
"This is only the first stage of the language planning process in the Gaeltacht. Clearly, all 19 language planning areas will be required to prepare language plans in due course," the Minister of State said.
Údarás na Gaeltachta currently funds various community-based organisations in the Gaeltacht. It has been agreed that one primary organisation will operate in each of the language planning areas to implement the process on the ground, with assistance from the Údarás. It is intended that the other organisations in the same language planning area will operate in conjunction with the primary organisation with regard to language planning. The Údarás will be responsible for taking the appropriate steps, in conjunction with the various organisations, to implement this approach.
The Minister of State said: "The language planning process is an opportunity for Gaeltacht communities. I expect the Department, the Údarás and the community-based organisations to work together to deliver this process."
The community-based organisations will be given practical training to assist them in implementing the language planning process in partnership with the public. In addition, the organisations will be provided with a language planning template, based on the recommendations of the Comprehensive Linguistic Study of the Use of Irish in the Gaeltacht, to assist them in preparing language plans.
More information:

• See Appendix 1 - Language Planning Areas in the Gaeltacht.

Appendix 1 - Language Planning Areas in the Gaeltacht

Under the language planning process, the intention is to delineate the Gaeltacht into 19 distinct language planning areas of which 6 areas (listed in bold) have been invited to start this process immediately.Cork
• Múscraí and Cléire
Kerry

• West Kerry

• South Kerry

Donegal

• North Donegal – Fánaid, Ros Goill, An Tearmann, Na Dúnaibh

• Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire, Loch an Iúir


• Cloich Chionnaola, Gort an Choirce, Toraigh, An Fál Carrach, Machaire Rabhartaigh

• Na Rosa, An Clochán Liath, Ailt an Chorráin, Árainn Mhór, Leitir Mhic an Bhaird

• An Ghaeltacht Lár

• South Donegal



Galway

• An tEachréidh

• Maigh Cuilinn, Bearna, Cnoc na Cathrach

• Cois Fharraige (Na Forbacha go Ros an Mhíl)

• An Cheathrú Rua agus Ceantar na nOileán

• Iorras Aithneach and Corr na Móna

• Oileáin Árann



Mayo

• Acaill and Tuar Mhic Éadaigh

• Iorras



Meath

• Ráth Chairn and Baile Ghib



Waterford

• Na Déise

Enhanced concentration on enterprise support in RDP will drive recovery process in rural areas

Extra allocation of €10 million assigned to Basic Services
Rate of aid for private promoters will increase from 50% to 75%

Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government announced today (25th April, 2012) a number of changes to the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme that will see increased availability of funding for both private promoters and community groups in rural Ireland. The enhanced concentration on enterprise support in RDP will drive the recovery process in rural areas.

The current rate of aid for private promoters under the RDP is 50%, the changes being announced today include an increase in this rate to 75%. This change will go some way to address the difficulties being experienced in accessing credit in the current economic climate and will provide an increased level of support for rural entrepreneurs in Ireland. A reallocation within the programme will reassign an extra €10 million to the Basic Services measure of the RDP which, while almost fully allocated, still has significant potential. Local Authorities will now be permitted to apply directly to the RDP for funding working in cooperation with community groups. Local Authorities will be eligible to apply for the community rate of aid of 75% under the Village Renewal and Conservation measures of the Programme.

Announcing the changes to the RDP Minister Hogan said:

“The LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme continue to provide significant financial resources to rural Ireland and it is my responsibility to ensure that the programme is delivered efficiently and effectively. In this context the changes being announced today will provide some of the solutions to the issues and challenges faced on a daily basis by Local Development Companies delivering the RDP. I am confident that these changes will give the LDCs more flexibility to increase the amount of support available to a variety of projects involving both communities and private individuals. ”

“With an annual budget of €96 million for 2012 it is critically important that the 35 Local Development Companies, rural entrepreneurs and community groups all over Ireland continue to look to the LEADER elements of the RDP to provide the financial support necessary to drive their projects forward. This kind of community led local development is already providing and I have no doubt, will continue to provide the solid community foundation required to support Irelands recovery process into the future”

The Minister added, “I should stress that although we will go ahead with these changes immediately they are still subject to final approval from the European Commission.“ Anyone wishing to inquire about this funding should contact their Local Development Company; contact details for all companies contracted to deliver the RDP in Ireland can be found on my Department’s website at www.environ.ie ”.

Carbon Tax on Home Heating Oil from 1 May 2012

In 2010 a carbon tax was introduced in Ireland. The carbon tax applies to kerosene, marked gas oil, liquid petroleum gas, fuel oil, and natural gas. The tax does not currently apply to solid fuels.

In Budget 2012 carbon tax was increased by €5 to €20 per tonne of CO2 emitted on fossil fuels. The increase applies to petrol and auto-diesel from midnight, 6 December 2011. The increase will apply from 1 May 2012 to kerosene, Marked Gas Oil, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), fuel oil and natural gas. (This is to take account of the effect the increase would have on home heating costs over the winter months.) The carbon tax does not apply to solid fuels, so there will be no increases for peat or coal.

Cash Back Facility Available @ Comharchumann Árainn Mhór

Cash Back Facilities are now available from Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Teo during opening hours.  Minimum purchase €10.00.

Mon   9:00am-12:30       1:00-4:30pm
Tue    9:00am-12:30

Wed   9:00am-12:30      1:00-4:30pm

Thur   9:00am-12:30       1:00-4:30pm

Fri      9:00am-12:30       1:00-4:30pm

Féile na Cásca - Easter Holidays

Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Teo

Socruithe na Cásca-Easter Arrangements

Beidh oifigí & stór an chomharchumainn druidte ar na dátaí a leanas:

Comharchumann offices & store will be closed on the following dates:

Dé hAoine/Friday 6/04/2012

Dé Luain/Monday 9/04/2012

Dé Máirt/Tuesday 10/04/2012

Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Teo - CCB/AGM

Fógra Scairshealbhóirí - Shareholders Notice

Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Teo

CCB - AGM

An Chultúrlann

4:00 in

15/04/2012

Clár-Agenda

Tuairisc Oibre na Bliana/Annual Report

Tuarascáil an iniúchóir ar Thuarascáil Airgeadais an Chomharchumainn

Auditors Report & Financial Statement of Comharchumann

Ceapacháin an Iniúchóir/Appointment of Auditor

Toghcháin & Ceapacháin an Choiste Bainistíochta/Election & Appointment of Management Committee

Aon Gnó Eile/AOB

COMHARCHUMANN ONE DAY SALE

An Comharchumann one day sale will take place on Saturday 24 March from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

Bank Holiday - Saoire Poiblí 19/03/2012

Beidh oifigí agus stór an chomharchumainn druidte ar an Luain, 19 Márta 2012.

An comharchumann offices and store will be closed on Monday 19 March 2012.

Community Development Worker - Sherkin Island

Bere Island Projects Group Ltd

Local & Community Development Programme (LCDP)
Wish to invite applications for the position of

Community Development Worker (27 hours per week) until 31/12/12

with the possibility of a longer term position in the future subject to funding
The person appointed will need a good understanding of Island life and community engagement, along with excellent administrative ability and communication skills.

This person will work as part of a team implementing the workplan actions for

Sherkin, Heir & Long Islands. The office will be based on Sherkin Island.

Interviews will be held on Sherkin Island on Friday March 23rd 2012
Recruitment pack available through email, from the Staff Sub Group, contact BIPG on 027 -75099.

Email: bereisle@eircom.net

Completed application form and CV

to be forwarded by post, on or before 4:30pm, Friday the 16th of March clearly marked:

“Sherkin, Long & Heir Islands Development Worker Position”

Bere Island Projects Group Ltd

Community Centre

Bere Island

Beara

Co. Cork

Bere Island Projects Group Ltd Local & Community Development Programme, is an equal opportunities employer Funded under the Irish Government’s National

Development Plan 2007– 2013 (NDP) from funds made available by the National Lottery

Discover Scuba

Deis Fostaíochta—Employment Opportunity

Tá folúntas páirtaimseartha d’oibrí séasúrach ag Baile Saoire Árainn Mhór. I measc na cúramaí a bheas i gceist beidh dualgais cothabhála agus cúramaí glantacháin agus níocháin Beidh uaireanta neamhrialta i gceist lena n-airítear an tráthnóna agus an deireadh seachtaine. Iarratais i scríbhinn roimh an 12 Márta, 2012 chuig An Rúnaí , Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór, Co Dhún na nGall

A vacancy exists for a part-time seasonal cleaner at Baile Saoire Árainn Mhór. Duties will include upkeep of cottages, cleaning & laundry. Hours of work will vary and will include evenings and weekends. Applications in writing before 12 March 2012 to An Rúnaí, Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór, Co Dhún na nGall.

Know Your Rights B: Tax on social welfare payments

Question

I don’t really understand how social welfare payments are taxed. Can you explain?

Answer

If you have a social welfare payment and another source of income, you may have to pay tax on your combined income. Some social welfare payments are not taxable, but most long-term payments, such as old age pensions or widowed people’s pensions are. Illness Benefit and Invalidity Pension are also taxable.
Your taxable social welfare payment and your other income are added together. You are taxed on the total amount. There is no mechanism for taxing your social welfare pension at source (before it is paid to you). Your other income determines how tax due is paid.
For example, you are getting a State Pension (Contributory) and an occupational pension. Your occupational pension is taxed through the PAYE system in the same way as a wage or salary. This means that you get your tax credits in the normal way.
In order to tax your social welfare pension, your annual tax credits are reduced by the tax liability on your social welfare pension. You then effectively pay tax on both the pensions, but it is collected from the occupational pension. For higher incomes, the standard rate cut-off point will also be reduced. The technical term for this is coding-in of credits. The same arrangement applies if you have income from a job as well as a social welfare pension.
If your social welfare pension was not coded in, you would have to pay tax as a self-employed person and in a lump sum by 31 October each year.
If your other source of income is not taxed on the PAYE system, for example, you have investment income or you have an occupational pension from abroad, then you are classed as a self-employed person and your tax is payable annually by self-assessment, due by 31 October each year.

Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below.

Know Your Rights has been compiled by Dungloe Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0761 07 5430 Address: Dungloe Public Services Centre, Gweedore Road, Dungloe. Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000.

Le Cuidiú Dé CD AVAILABLE FROM COMHARCHUMANN ÁRAINN MHÓR

Le Cuidiú Dé CD - available now at Comharchumann Árainn Mhór
Le Cuidiú Dé CD - ar fáil anois sa Chomharchumann.

€15 an ceann/each

ALL PROCEEDS TO DONEGAL HOSPICE

Know Your Rights: JobBridge

Question I lost my job last year and I heard that there is a work experience scheme which will give me an extra payment on top of my Jobseeker’s Benefit. Can you tell me more about it?
Answer
JobBridge is a national internship scheme providing work experience opportunities for unemployed people. Participants in the scheme are offered an internship of between 6 and 9 months with a host organisation. If you take up an internship you can keep your social welfare payment and you will get an extra €50 per week. You work as an intern in a host organisation for at least 30, and for no more than 40 hours a week.

To be eligible for the JobBridge scheme you must be unemployed and getting Jobseeker’s Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance or signing on for credits for a total of 3 months or more in the last 6 months. (Periods spent on the Back to Education Allowance, VTOS, FÁS/Fáilte Ireland training courses, Youthreach, FIT, Community Employment Schemes, Tús, the Rural Social Scheme, Back to Work Scheme, Job Initiative or Job Assist may count towards meeting the eligibility for JobBridge).
If you are eligible for the scheme you can check the current internship opportunities on jobbridge.ie. When you have identified an internship, you apply to the host organisation as specified in the advertisement. If the host organisation selects you it will give you an eligibility form to be stamped by your Social Welfare Local Office. You should return the completed form to your local FÁS office, your LES (Local Employment Service) office or JobBridge.
You can find out more about the scheme on jobbridge.ie. The scheme is open to applications until 30 June 2013.
Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below.
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Dungloe Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public.
Tel: 0761 07 5430 Address: Dungloe Public Services Centre, Gweedore Road, Dungloe. Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000.

Scéim Scoláireachta - Scholarship Scheme 2012

SCÉIM SÓISIALTA TUAITHE (SST) /RURAL SOCIAL SCHEME (RSS)

Tá Comhar na nOileán ag lorg iarratais ar thograí don tréimhse

01 Aibreán 2012 go 31 Márta 2013

Comhar na nOileán Teo are looking for project applications for the period 01 April 2012 to 31 March 2013

Cineál Tograí

• Slite slímharcáilte, cosáin chomhaontaithe agus bóithre portaigh a chothabháil agus a fheabhsú • Obair chothabhála comhshaoil - cothabháil agus airíochas saoráidí pobail agus spóirt

• Obair chaomhnaithe fuinnimh do dhaoine scothaosta agus do dhaoine ar beag a n-acmhainní saolta • Tionscadail a bhaineann le hionaid chultúrtha agus oidhreachta sheachbhrabúsacha

• Tionscadail d'fhonn na sráidbhailte agus an tuath a fheabhsú • Riarachán pobail / Dualgais chléireachais

• Cúram sóisialta, cúram do sheandaoine agus cúram pobail do ghrúpaí réamhscoile agus iarscoile araon • Tograí eile pobal bhunaithe a thugtar faoi deara i rith tréimhse na scéime

Types of Projects

• Projects relating to maintenance and enhancement of waymarked ways, agreed walks, bog roads etc.; • Environmental maintenance work – maintenance and caretaking of community and sporting facilities;

• Energy conservation work for elderly and less well off; • Projects relating to not for profit cultural and heritage centres;

• Village and countryside enhancement projects; • Community Administration/Clerical duties:

• Social care and care of the elderly, community after-school support groups and community pre-schooling support groups; • Any other appropriate community-based projects that may be identified during the course of the scheme.

Ní mór plean sonrach a bheith le gach iarratas ag taispeáint sceideal ama le haghaidh tascanna éagsúla faoin togra agus ba cheart sonraí a thabhairt maidir le ábhar srl. a bheidh iarratasóirí ábalta cuir ar fáil.

Project applications must be accompanied by a detailed plan indicating the timetable for completion of various tasks under the application and proposals should outline the contribution to be made by the applicants by way of materials etc.

Seol iarratais chuig / Forward applications to:

Comhar na nOileán, Inis Oírr, Oileáin Árann, Co. na Gaillimhe
R-phost/E-mail: grainne@oileain.ie Facs/Fax: 099 75103

Roimh 2 Márta 2012 / Before 2 March 2012

Scéim Eangúcháín na nGliomach 2012 - National Lobster Notching Scheme 2012

Beidh BIM ag glacadh le hiarratais faoin Scéim Eangúcháín Gliomach 2012 suas go dtí an 16 Márta 2012. Ní mór d’iarrthóirí a gcuid iarratais a bheith istigh ag BIM roimh dheireadh an lae ar an 16 Márta 2012.


BIM are accepting applications for the National Lobster Notching Scheme 2012 until 16 March 2012. Applications must be lodged with BIM before close of business on 16 March 2012.

Coach Education & Master Class Series – Spring 2012

Donegal Sports Partnership in association with the North West Club Development & Coaching Network presents the Coach Education & Master Class Series – Spring 2012

Master Classes 2012
§ Strength & Conditioning Workshop: 10 March (Letterkenny)
§ Coaching Triathlon: 24 March (Letterkenny)
§ Sports Event Management: 28 March (Letterkenny )
§ Performance Psychology for Coaches - Innovative methods for young athletes & teams: 31 Marc(Letterkenny)
§ Junior Golf Club Workshop: 16 April (Letterkenny Golf Club)
§ Practical Golf Skills Clinic: 30 April (Strabane Golf Club)

Training Programmes
§ Sli Na Slainte Walking Leaders Training: 23-25 March, Letterkenny
§ Mountain Skills 1: 24-25 March (Gartan OEC, Church Hill)
§ Mountain Skills 2: 28-29 April (Gartan OEC, Church Hill)
§ Code of Ethics & Good Practise for Children’s Sport: (3-hours)
§ Childrens Officer Training: (6-hours)

Further details—check out Donegal Sports Partnership website: www.activedonegal.com or Email: info@activedonegal.com

Léirithe Suime a Lorg - Expressions of Interest Sought

Excavator 180 Course &
Forklift Course

Expressions of interest is sought  for the above courses. The course, should it proceed, will take place in Letterkenny. Duration of courses range from 1 day to 3 days depending on the experience of participants. To express your interest, telephone 074 9520533.

Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail-Community Employment Scheme

Beidh folúntas sa chomharchumann  gan mhoill do dhuine ar mhian leis/léi bheith páirteach sa Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail. (19.5 uair sa tseachtain) Is féidir suim a léiriú/tuilleadh eolais a fháil i dtaca le coinníollacha na scéime ach teagmháil a dhéanamh le Seamus O Baoill, stiurthóir na scéime.

A vacany will exist  in the near future with an comharchumann  for an individual who wishes to participate in the Community Employment Scheme. (19.5 hours per week) To register your interest or to obtain further information regarding eligibility, please contact Seamus O Baoill, the scheme supervisor.

By Phone: 074 9546071 By Fax: 074 9560101 By E-Mail: arassheainbhain@gmail.com

Enjoy Irish - a new APP for Beginner learners of Irish

The ‘Enjoy Irish’ app is designed for the adult and student
learner and is based on the book & CD of the same name. It
is ideal for the person who wants to see and hear Irish spoken
for the first time and for those who would like to refresh the
Irish learned at school. Cartoon characters Seán and Gráinne
get to know each other using simple and amusing role-plays.
How to use it
Listen to the native speakers while reading the Irish language
text of the role-plays, prompted by the optional English translation, if desired.
How to get it
Link to the iPhone app store:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/enjoy-irish/id473939700?mt=8

Link to the App on the Android store

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.maithu.android.getthefocalfree&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5tYWl0aHUuYW5kcm9pZC5nZXR0aGVmb2NhbGZyZWUiXQ..

Intern Vacancy Comahrchumann Árainn Mhór

INTERN VACANCY
Ref. INTE-656629

Description

The intern will gain practical experience in working in an administrative environment and in community development work. The intern will receive formal/informal training in the following; office administration, preparation of financial accounts, front office software. On completion the intern will have attained skills in working effectively as part of a team; community development work; office administration; financial reporting; communicating effectively with co-workers and community groups.

________________________________________

Skills Requirements

Good computer, literacy, interpersonal and communication skills. Interest in Community Development work.

________________________________________

Please Note:

This is an Internship. An allowance of €50 per week will be paid in addition to your current Social Welfare payment.

Duration: 9 Months

________________________________________

Number of Positions

1

Hours per week: 30

_______________________________________

Experience Required:

No Experience Required

________________________________________

Education Requirements:

Leaving Certificate Ordinary or Equivalent- ECDL -Working knowledge of Irish language.

Notice _ Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann

Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann – The Federation of Irish Islands is currently collecting a list of names of young islanders who are interested in the work of ESIN- European Small Islands Federation.

It is hoped that a Youth Committee will be formed which would present concerns of young islanders in order to include their opinion to topics being discussed by ESIN. If you are under 30 and interested, please send your details to John (johnbipg@gmail.com) no later than the 30 January 2012.

Donegal VEC - Adult Learner Fair 2012

Donegal Islands Digital Archive

Donegal County Council, in partnership with Earagail Arts Festival Co, The Islands Leader Co and the community organisations that represent the offshore islands in Donegal have established a digital archive of television, video and radio material relating to the the offshore islands of Donegal from the 1950s to the present day.
The islands of County Donegal are a rich and valuable source of cultural and historical materials, much of which has been captured in various recordings. However, to date, this has been available only in disparate form with no central or easily accessible repository. The archive is available digitally in the visitor centres onTory Island and Arranmore Islandand in the Gweedore Library and in the County Museum in Letterkenny.

The Donegal Islands Film and Radio Archive is a unique digital collection of archive material relating to the islands of County Donegal. The archive provides free public access to over 23 hours of film, television and video in the form of 94 separate items such as newsreels, television news and documentaries and home movies.
An in depth understanding of island life can be had through over 14 hours of radio documentaries and news items. Material has been provided to this archive by RTE, BBC, UTV, TG4, TV3, RTE Radio na Gaeltachta, Sky TV, INA, Gael Linn, independent film and radio producers and donators of family footage.

The audio and visual material contained in this archive gives an understanding of the social history of the offshore islands of CountyDonegal from the 1950s to the present day. The collection captures the relocation of some communities to the mainland, the struggle to maintain and improve basic services and the unique cultural heritage of the County’s islands.

Further inormation can be obtained from link below:
http://www.donegalcdb.ie/cdb/cdbnews/name,1908,en.html

Eolas do Shaoránaigh – Citizens Information January Eanáir 2012

Beidh oifigeach ón Ionad Eolais do Shaoránaigh, An Clochán Liath i láthair i gComharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Teo ar an Chéadaoin, 25 Eanáir 2012 óna 10:30rn – 12:30in. Ag plé le fiosruithe Leasa Shóisialaigh, Deontais Tithíochta, Deontais inslithe, Cearta Fostaíochta, Cúrsaí Teaghlaigh, Cearta Tomhaltóirí, Oideachas & rl.

The Dungloe Citizens Information Officer will be in attendance in Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Teo on Wednesday 25 January 2012 between 10:30am – 12:30pm. Dealing with Social Welfare Entitlements, Housing Grants, Insulation Grants, Health Entitlements, Employment Rights, Family Matters, Consumer Rights, Education etc

Know Your Rights : Mortgage Interest Relief January 2012

Know Your Rights : Mortgage Interest Relief

January 2012
Question
I’m confused about the changes that were made to Mortgage Interest Relief in Budget 2012. I’m a first-time buyer who started paying my mortgage in 2006. When will my entitlement expire and what rate of relief am I entitled to?

Answer
Tax relief for home mortgage interest is not given through the tax system but your mortgage lender gives you the benefit of the tax relief on the interest you pay. This is called tax relief at source or TRS. Your mortgage repayments are reduced by the amount of the tax credit due.

In Budget 2012 it was announced that qualifying loans taken out after 31 December 2003 and before 1 January 2013 will continue to get relief up to the end of 2017. This means that you will continue to qualify for relief at the applicable rate for the next 6 years. The relief will be abolished completely by the end of 2017.

The rate of mortgage interest relief for first-time buyers is 25% in years 1 and 2 of a mortgage, 22.5% in years 3, 4 and 5, and 20% for years 6 and 7. After 7 years the rate is the same as for non-first-time buyers at 15%.
However, if you are a first-time buyer who started paying your mortgage between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2008, Budget 2012 provides for a special rate of mortgage interest relief of 30% for the tax years 2012 to 2017.
The amount of interest on which you can get relief is subject to upper limits as follows:
Single First-time buyer €10,000
Non-first-time buyer €3,000

Married/in a civil partnership/ widowed/surviving civil partner

First-time buyer  €20,000
Non-first-time buyer  €6,000


Adjustments to your tax relief should be made automatically by your mortgage lender. You don’t need to claim relief on your annual tax return or to contact your local Revenue office.
Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below.
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Dungloe Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public.
Tel: 074 95 61360 Address: Dungloe Public Services Centre.
Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000.