asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount of revenue paid to the Exchequer in 1987-1988 from receipts of tax and PRSI in respect of pirate radio stations; whether all such stations have paid revenue to the Exchequer; the Government's position in regard to accepting revenue from operations which are deemed to be illegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pirate Radio Stations Tax Payments.
81.
The Revenue Commissioners have advised me that statistical records of tax payments are not maintained in a form which would enable the precise information requested by the Deputy to be given. The Revenue Commissioners are satisfied that the radio stations in question are statutorily obliged to remit tax and PRSI and the Revenue have no grounds for concluding that pirate radio stations do not meet their full statutory obligations in this regard. The Deputy may wish to note that section 19 of the Finance Act, 1983, provides for the bringing into assessment and chargeability to tax of profits or gains arising from illegal activities.