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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Nov 1972

Vol. 263 No. 12

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Operation of VAT.

33.

asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of widespread confusion among small retailers on the operation of VAT; and whether any special guidance on the new tax forms is available to retailers.

I do not accept the Deputy's suggestion. A Guide to the Value-Added Tax has been supplied to all registered persons including retailers; and the forms for use in connection with the tax which have been issued are accompanied by detailed instructions for their completion. In addition, meetings have been held throughout the country to explain the operation of the tax to all sectors of trade, including small retailers. Any trader who requires additional guidance on value-added tax should get in touch with his local inspector of taxes.

Am I to understand that the Minister's Department received no complaints whatever from small retailers as to lack of guidance? Is the Minister saying they have had no queries in this matter?

I am not saying that because I was not asked that question.

I referred to widespread confusion.

That is a different thing. There is certainly no widespread confusion amongst small retailers. If the Deputy is asking whether any complaints have been received from people who say they do not understand, I could not answer that offhand because I was not asked that question. I imagine some people have looked for assistance.

We will split the difference arising out of that reply. Does the Minister accept there is a case for further explanation to small retailers on the actual working out of VAT because my information is that there is a case. Whether it is widespread medium spread or otherwise there is a case to be made for further explanation. Would the Minister agree with that?

The Deputy will appreciate that, apart from the meetings held throughout the country by the Revenue Commissioners, various trading groups, the Irish Management Institute, the Irish Productivity Council and such organisations as RGDATA, Spar and Mace have all been holding meetings for their members and instructing them. Apart from all that, as I have already said, if anybody has any difficulty he should get in touch with his local inspector of taxes and he will assist him.

May I ask the Minister if his Department are fully geared to cope with the problems connected with VAT and what proportion of businesses have already received tax numbers? This is an important matter. This is where confusion is arising.

In regard to the first part of the question, the answer is "Yes". In regard to the second part of the question, I would require notice.

The Minister himself is confused in regard to the second part. He obviously does not know.

The Deputy asked how many businesses.

I did not. I asked what proportion. If the Minister does not know that it suggests his Department are not doing their work.

Does the Deputy seriously expect this House to accept that he believes the Minister should know the answer to anything like that without notice and, if he does not, would he stop wasting the time of the House?

I would expect the Minister to say they have all been issued with numbers because his Department are fully geared, but he is not able to say that.

That is the kind of answer the Deputy would give if he were in my shoes, but I will not make a statement like that, unlike the Deputy, without verifying it.

I think the Minister is suffering from travel sickness.

Order. Question No. 34.

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