asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax collected from Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann in the financial years 1965-66, 1966-67, 1967-68, 1968-69 and 1969-70.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Tax Payments.
14.
Having regard to secrecy obligations affecting tax matters, it is not possible to disclose the information which the Deputy requires.
Is the information not available from the accounts of the Sugar Company?
Not precisely in that form. Some information is available.
Could the Minister give the information that is available?
It is available in the Library of the House, but it is not the amount of tax paid; it is the amount set aside to meet tax in each year.
Another example of wasting time.
Is it a fact that this arrangement is only taking place since Erin Foods and the Sugar Company have been separated?
What arrangement is the Deputy referring to?
The financial arrangements whereby the Sugar Company are now paying tax?
No.
In other words, were the Sugar Company subsidising Erin Foods?
They still are.
Were they paying tax before that?
As far as I know they have been paying tax all along on the profits, and still are.