asked the Minister for Finance if he can state (a) how many persons have been imprisoned in Cork Male Prison since the 1st October, 1929, for non-payment of arrears of income tax; (b) how many of those imprisoned are working tradesmen and labourers; (c) how many of the tradesmen and labourers imprisoned were, at the date of their imprisonment, unemployed; and, (d) what provision, if any, has been made for those dependants of the imprisoned who have, in consequence, become destitute.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imprisonment for Non-Payment of Income Tax.
I have now received reports on this matter for the period from 1st to 25th October. The reply is as follows:—
(a) Two.
(b) One.
(c) One.
(d) In cases in which proceedings in the District Courts for the recovery of tax are resorted to, the defaulters usually refuse or neglect to give information at the proper time, both as to their incomes and as to their family circumstances. In District Court proceedings the defaulter may produce evidence as to his circumstances, and the Judge, if the facts are proved to his satisfaction, may order the debt to be paid in suitable instalments.
Mr. Wolfe
In view of the importance and extreme urgency of this matter, and as it is also covered by Question 6, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the adjournment.