Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 May 1996

Vol. 464 No. 7

Written Answers. - Fisheries Boards.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

115 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, he has taken to ensure that no payments were made to a public body (details supplied) by the Central Fisheries Board out of moneys provided by his Department without the Central Fisheries Board first ensuring that the payment of all tax liabilities to the State by the relevant body had been complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8883/96]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

116 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, he has taken to ensure that public bodies (details supplied) receiving money from his Department, either directly or indirectly, have complied with their obligations regarding the remittance of taxes before payment is made to them directly or indirectly out of State funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8884/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 116 together.

Under the terms of sections 20 and 21 of the Fisheries Act, 1980, an annual voted grant is paid to the Central Fisheries Board from which a grant is disbursed to each of the seven regional fisheries boards on the basis of approved estimates.

I have no statutory function in the matter of the payment of taxes by regional fisheries boards to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. I expect, however, in line with good financial practice, the regional fisheries boards to meet their tax liabilities promptly and in full. I can assure the Deputy that the regional fisheries boards have been made fully aware of their responsibilities in this regard.

The Central Fisheries Board also intends to appoint an outside body to examine and advise on the administrative-financial system of the central and regional fisheries boards and to make recommendations to address any deficiencies which may exist.