Derek McDowell
Question:38 Mr. D. McDowell asked the Minister for Finance the estimated loss to the Exchequer in terms of unpaid taxes arising from the so-called black economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14768/95]
Vol. 456 No. 8
38 Mr. D. McDowell asked the Minister for Finance the estimated loss to the Exchequer in terms of unpaid taxes arising from the so-called black economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14768/95]
It has not proved possible to design a tool which is capable of computing irregular economy activity with any level of certainty as all available techniques for estimating the magnitude of the irregular economy suffer from significant limitations. I have no figure, therefore, for the estimated loss as requested by the Deputy.
Countering tax evasion in the irregular economy is a major focus of every tax administration in the developed world, including Ireland. While, as in all other countries, there is a recognition that unrecorded activity is unlikely to be eradicated, the Revenue Commissioners advise me that the general rate of tax compliance is responding positively to counter-evasion programmes.