asked the Minister for Finance if the trading group operations at Collins Hill, Clonmel, County Tipperary, over two weekends in April were registered for VAT purposes; whether VAT returns were made by them; and, if not, the action he intends taking in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clonmel Trading Group.
2.
It would be contrary to secrecy obligations to disclose information about the tax affairs of any trader. For that reason, I regret I cannot supply the information requested by the Deputy.
Are this group registered for VAT or paying it?
I can say that in so far as our inquiries establish the trader who is identified by an address is, in fact, registered for VAT.
Am I correct that there is a typographical error in the question—"Hill" for "Hall"?
The Chair is quite right; it should be "Hall". I want to ask very simply was VAT returned in respect of the type of sales operated in this Hall.
The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot breach the long-established rule as to giving information about the tax affairs of particular individuals, either in relation to particular transactions such as the Deputy refers to or in relation to particular periods or the amount of tax paid or profits made. All I am saying is that the person in question is registered for VAT.
Are they paying VAT? I am not interested in the amount.
I cannot say in respect of any taxpayer, any person who is registered, whether or not that person is or is not paying tax. That applies to income tax, value-added tax and any other tax. It is a breach of confidentiality and the Revenue Commissioners may not even furnish to me any such information either. It only comes to light if and when a person, not having paid tax, has a judgment registered against him.