A dispute over the imposition of benefit in kind on paramedics who take work vehicles home at night has been raised in the Dáil by a Tipperary TD
It’s understood they have been told by the HSE they will be liable to pay the extra tax and instructed not to take the vehicles home until a resolution is found.
Clonmel Deputy Michael Murphy sought clarification on the issue and urged the Finance Minister to intervene with the Revenue Commissioners.
“These are fully equipped and marked emergency vehicles. Such vehicles I’m sure you’ll agree they’re not a luxury, they are not a Benefit in Kind. Minister every effort must be made to find a resolution between senior management of the HSE and the Director of the National Ambulance Service.
“This decision if implemented may lead to National Ambulance Service managers no longer being in a position to rapidly respond to callout our of hours when required.”
Minister of State Niall Collins replied on behalf of the Finance Minister.
He said Minister Paschal Donohoe had already engaged with the Revenue Commissioners on the matter.
“He’s been informed by Revenue that there has been no change in the legislation not in Revenue’s interpretation of the existing legislation relating to the Benefit in Kind charge which is applicable on employer provided vehicles.
“The Minister for Finance has asked his officials to engage with the HSE to discuss whether there has been any change in policy by them in relation to how they implemented this measure.”
