asked the Minister for Finance if he will enumerate the recommendations of the Income Tax Commission which have been rejected by the Government; and the reasons for their rejection.
60.
Written Answers. - Income Tax Commission.
59.
asked the Minister for Finance if there are any recommendations of the Income Tax Commission which have neither been rejected nor implemented by the Government; and, if so, if he will indicate the reason for the delay in making a decision on them.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 59 and 60 together.
Of the 112 recommendations of the Commission on Income Taxation listed in Chapter XXXI of the Seventh Report (Pr. 6581) of the Commission and Appendix I to that Report, only 26 were not accepted by the Government for reasons indicated in the first and second White Papers on Direct Taxation published in April, 1961, and April, 1963, respectively. Of the remaining 86 recommendations, 57 have been implemented with or without modification and 29 fall into the category mentioned in the Deputy's second question. These latter recommendations are kept under constant review with a view to their implementation as and when possible. However, it must be borne in mind in this connection that regard has to be had to such factors as budgetary considerations and changed circumstances, such as the recent abolition of Schedules A and B, which have rendered some recommendations obsolete or irrelevant. It is also the position that reports on the studies currently being undertaken into company taxation and the activities of building societies have to be awaited before implementation of certain of the outstanding recommendations can be considered. When regard is had to the various factors involved, there are few, if any, of the recommendations falling into the category mentioned in the Deputy's second question which could at present be implemented.