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 185 Ansbacher type cases consisting of 121 cases named by the authorised officer and 64 similar cases discovered by Revenue. The investigation includes examining the tax position of identified entities and accumulating and assembling information on other connected entities. The number of connec ted 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, 15.66 million, has been received as payments on account in 47 cases. This is made up of: