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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 6

Written Answers. - Revenue Investigations.

Liz McManus

Question:

90 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance the number of individuals, companies and trusts being investigated by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the Ansbacher Accounts; the number of cases in which settlements have been agreed; the amount paid to date; the number of cases outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25352/01]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their Ansbacher review team has been carrying out detailed investigations since October 1999.

The investigation has essentially two elements. There are Ansbacher-type arrangements and there are other cases involving offshore funds and deposits.

Revenue has indicated there are 182 Ansbacher-type cases consisting of 121 cases named by the authorised officer and 61 similar cases discovered by Revenue. Of these, a total of 153 are under active investigation. Inquiries have not yet commenced in the remaining 29 because of insufficient identity information, non-residency or the 1993 amnesty being claimed. The investigation includes examining the tax position of disclosed entities and accumulating and assembling information on other connected entities. The number of connected entities in relation to core cases under investigation is now more than 600.

Revenue is making extensive use of its legislative powers to seek books, records, documents and information in the cases being investigated. Where appropriate, prosecutions will be considered but these will depend on the level of evidence available.

To date a total of £12.33 million or 15.66 million has been received in respect of 47 cases. This is made up of:

Cases

£m

m

Cases on Authorised Officer's report

24

4.81

6.11

Additional Ansbacher cases identified by Revenue

15

3.14

3.99

Other cases involving offshore funds or deposits

8

4.38

5.56

Total

47

12.33

15.66

The investigation into two cases has been concluded: one following clarification from the taxpayer and the other was settled on payment of £200,000 or 250, 000. Other than these, no cases have been settled and the payments received represent payments on account.
It is quite clear that the investigation is much more extensive than earlier envisaged. Revenue have informed me that it is both time-consuming and complex and is likely to continue for some time to come.
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