andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the names of the authors and the publications in respect of which authors have received exemption from the payment of income tax pursuant of section 2 of the Finance Act, 1969; and if he will make a statement on whether any changes are proposed in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Income Tax Payment Exemptions.
10.
It is not the practice to publish the names of the authors and of the works which have enabled them to benefit from the relief provided by section 2 of the Finance Act, 1969.
The total number of determinations granted so far under the section is 1,122. This includes 584 determinations in respect of a book or other writing and 140 determinations in respect of a play.
There are no proposals at the present time for changes in the scheme of the relief.
What is the approximate amount of revenue that has been foregone?
As that information is not on the file, I shall send it to the Deputy later.
Should the Minister not at least have that information since he is not prepared to let us have the names of the people who are benefiting?
Similar questions have been asked on a number of occasions but for reasons of confidentiality the names of those who benefit are not given. I do not think that the Revenue Commissioners would be very happy about releasing the names of the persons concerned.
I can appreciate that but could the Minister tell us at least how much we are losing in revenue as a result of the concession?
If the Deputy tables a specific question in that regard, I shall let him have the information.
The Minister should know now.