asked the Minister for Finance when he expects data on income distribution to become available from the Revenue Commissioners' computer.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Income Distribution.
23.
Data on income distribution among persons whose income is liable to income tax (including surtax) in respect of the income tax years from 1971/72 onwards are expected to become available from the computer in the office of the Revenue Commissioners during 1972.
Could the Minister say why it takes so long? The Minister will be aware that this information or similar information was promised several years ago from a computer. It is disturbing enough to have to wait until now to get it but why did it take a further three years to obtain it when it was expected not so very long ago it could be got within a matter of months?
That is the way it is.
Can the Minister offer any explanation?
I could give a very long technical explanation that would not be of any help to the Deputy. That is the best I can do.
Could I ask the Minister if he could forward the technical explanation to the Deputy privately rather than waste the time of the House?
I shall consider that.
It broke down before.
Somebody pulled the plug out and it did not work for a month.