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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Oct 1980

Vol. 323 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Farmers' Income Tax Payments .

25.

asked the Minister for Finance if, in respect of the years 1979, 1980 and 1981, the Revenue Commissioners have any estimates available of the percentage of farmers who have paid or who will pay over £1,000 per annum in income tax on their farming profits.

: Statistics relating to income tax are not compiled in such a manner as would enable the information requested by the Deputy to be given. In reply to two questions tabled by the Deputy on 26 February 1980—Official Report, columns 453-454—I set out the results of a sample survey of tax payments by farmers for the year 1978-79. A similar survey for the year 1979-80 is being carried out but the results will not be available for another couple of months.

: Will the Minister state if the format of statistics published by the Revenue Commissioners is a matter solely for determination by the Revenue Commissioners themselves or if he has any actual or potential input into the way they publish those statistics?

: The format is determined by the facts and, secondly, by the nature of the information I might want based on those facts. What was done in this instance after consultation between myself and the Revenue Commissioners was to get a representative sample survey. We find (a) it is representative, (b) it can be done relatively expeditiously and, (c) it gives us a guide. There is constant consultation in relation to the format.

: Will the Minister consider asking the Revenue Commissioners to make available as an appendix to their report details of any such sample surveys carried out by them?

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