Advice on premium rate phone services

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has launched a new consumer website, phonesmart.ie, which provides advice on premium rate services (PRS) and their use.

You can find answers to these questions and many more;

What is ‘elder abuse’?

Elder abuse is the abuse of someone aged 65 or over and it occurs within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, for example, a family member or care worker.

There are different forms of elder abuse, such as psychological abuse, physical abuse or neglect, which may be carried out deliberately, or through negligence or ignorance.

Find out more about elder abuse, and what to do if you or someone you know is a victim.

Refund of Health Levy contributions

The Department of Social Protection has information on their website about who can claim a refund of the Health Levy and how to go about it. This applies to the years 2008-2010. Only those whose gross annual earnings were less than €26,000 and who earned more than €500 in a particular week may be eligible for a refund.

The Health Levy was replaced by the Universal Social Charge (USC) from January 2011. If you think that you may be due a refund/reduction of the Universal Social Charge for 2011, you should contact Revenue.