Know Your Rights 2022

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aking sure that the world treats you right, the Citizens Information gang are there to help whenever and however you need them.

And the crucial thing is, they know how to help.

To prove the point, each month they tackle the latest round of changes or challenges that we have to face.

And we print them here. Having done so for quite a few years now.

Take it away, Martina…

PAYE Taxes

I’m a PAYE worker. What income tax will I pay in 2022?

Your income is taxed at 20% up to a certain amount. This is known as the standard rate of tax and the amount of income that it applies to is the standard rate tax band.

If you have income above the standard rate tax band, it is taxed at the higher rate of tax, which is 40%.

There were no changes to tax rates in 2022, but the standard rate tax bands were raised by €1,500.

You may be able to get other income tax reliefs, tax credits or exemptions depending on your personal circumstances. These can reduce the amount of tax that you have to pay.

Read more about calculating your tax right here.

Refunds

What are my rights if I have bought a faulty item?

If you have bought something that turns out to be faulty, then the seller must repair it free of charge or give you a refund or replacement.

What if the fault is minor, such as a scratch?

If the fault does not affect how the item works you may not be entitled to a refund.

What if the faulty item is a gift?

If you received a gift that turns out to be faulty, you will need proof of purchase to get a refund or replacement. Proof of purchase can be a receipt, invoice or credit or debit card statement.

What if the item was bought on sale?

If you buy something on sale that is faulty, you have the same rights as if the item was bought at full price. This is the case unless the item was reduced because of a fault and you were told about this before you bought it.

Read more about refunds right here.

Minimum Unit Pricing

What is minimum unit pricing?

Minimum unit pricing (MUP) means that alcoholic drinks cannot be sold for less than a certain price. They must be sold for at least the minimum price set for the quantity of alcohol in the drink.

Since, 4 January 2022, the minimum price for an alcoholic drink is set at 10c per gram of alcohol. One standard drink in Ireland contains 10 grams of alcohol, meaning that the minimum price for one standard drink is at least €1.

Examples of a standard drink in Ireland are:

• A pub measure of spirits (35.5mls)

• A small glass of wine (12.5% volume)

• A half pint of normal beer

A 12.5% bottle of wine has 7.4 standard drinks in it, so it cannot be sold for less than €7.40.

Read more about MUP right here.

School Term Dates In Spring 2022

When is the February mid-term break?

Primary schools close on 24-25 February. They may extend this to a 5-day break starting on 21 February, unless they need the extra days to make up for any time lost due to school closures.

Post-primary schools close for a week, from 21-25 February. They may shorten the mid-term break by staying open until 23 February, to make up for time lost due to school closures.

When is the Easter break?

All schools close on 8 April, unless they need to make up for time lost due to school closures. If so, schools may shorten the Easter break by staying open until 13 April.

All schools re-open on 25 April.

When does the school year end?

The final date of the school year is not fixed. Due to the State exams, post-primary schools usually close by the Friday before the public holiday on 6 June.

Read more about school terms right here.

You can access information and advice from Bray CIC on 0818076780 Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. You can also email [email protected]. Alternatively you can contact The Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818761074000, Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm. Their email is [email protected]. Include your telephone number and an information officer will call you back within two working days.

You can check out more Know Your Rights missives right here.