asked the Minister for Finance when health contributions will be collected from farmers in respect of the period 1984 to date; the present position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Health Contributions.
34.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that £2 million health contributions has been collected from farmers in respect of the period from 1984 to date.
The total amount of health contributions outstanding from farmers in respect of that period is £9 million. On the basis of previous experience this amount will be subject to downward revision on closer examination, on appeal, and for various other reasons. The Revenue Commissioners estimate that as a result of these factors it is likely that the further amount to be collected for that period will be £1.3 million.
The arrears of the health contributions represent only a tiny fraction of the arrears which arise in the collection process under all tax heads. Available resources have had to be deployed in the enforcement of much larger sums of tax outstanding. However, every effort will be made within the constraints of the available resources to enforce collection of the outstanding health contributions.