Sir, – I would like to point out the inequities in the Irish system with regard to the treatment of cohabiting couples. I recently applied for the renewal of my student grant, and as a full-time, postgraduate, mature student, my partner’s income (he is self-employed) was again taken into consideration.
When my application was deemed “ineligible” for 2011/2012, I queried this, but was told he is considered my “spouse” and we a married couple. On the other hand, the Irish tax system does not consider us spouses; as such, my partner cannot claim my tax-free allowances or any tax relief on the course fee. As I don’t earn an income, my partner is expected to pay the annual course fee in excess of €10,000. Clearly, there is a need for consistency in, and reform of, how cohabiting couples are treated inter-departmentally in Ireland. – Yours, etc,