asked the Minister for Finance whether the provision by the State of a car with two drivers for each Minister and Parliamentary Secretary is taken into consideration by the Revenue Commissioners in assessing such Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries for income-tax purposes; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cars and Drivers for Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.
10.
Mr. Ryan
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As to the second part of the question, the facilities to which the Deputy refers do not represent assessable income for the purposes of the Income Tax Acts.
Mr. Ryan
Is it not a fact that these cars are provided for Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries for use by them as if they were their private property? Further, are we to understand from this that the Ministers of this Government are willing to compel Deputies to pay income tax on the allowances provided for them to cover, amongst other expenses, transport costs and unwilling to pay income tax themselves on the luxurious transport provided from the taxpayers' pockets?
The position has not been changed for many years. As far as the Government compelling Deputies to pay income tax is concerned, if the Dáil does not agree, the Government cannot do it.