Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Jul 1992

Vol. 421 No. 9

Written Answers. - Withholding Tax.

Ivor Callely

Question:

100 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the categories of persons, professional or otherwise who have stopped withholding tax on payments due under the aegis of his Department; if there is to be changes on stopping withholding tax, whether this will apply to all categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

Withholding tax is deducted from payments to persons providing professional services either to certain health agencies or to my Department in accordance with the provisions of the Finance Act, 1987, as amended from time to time.

In the course of the current negotiations on the review of the general medical services contract, the Irish Medical Organisation have raised the issue of the manner in which withholding tax is applied to general practitioners. While I do not wish to comment in detail on any specific matter currently under discussion in the context of the GMS review, all of the issues raised by the Irish Medical Organisation will be given full and detailed consideration by the management side representatives. I should also point out to the Deputy that policy on the operation of withholding tax is a matter for the Minister for Finance and any proposed changes in the manner in which this tax is applied would be a matter for him.