Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 2

Written Answers. - Tax Rebates.

Michael Bell

Question:

55 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Finance the average period of payment of C45 tax rebates; if his attention has been drawn to the inadequate level of staffing in this section of the Revenue Commissioners; the plans, if any, he has to deal with this matter; his views on whether delays in relation to rebates is most unfair to the taxpayer; if he will ensure that this very unsatisfactory situation is rectified; when he will improve the staffing and administration of this section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15312/97]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the growth in construction industry activity, particularly in the Dublin area, has generated a very substantial increase in the number of relevant contract tax deduction certificate (C45) repayment claims received by the Revenue office in Dublin dealing with the industry. It is calculated that the total number of such repayment claims received in 1997 will exceed 30,000 as compared with a figure of 17,600 for 1994.

This significant increase has unfortunately resulted in a delay of up to six weeks in making repayments of tax to claimants.

The Revenue Commissioners appreciate that such a delay is unacceptable and are addressing the problem by diverting resources to the office in question and by the installation of additional computer equipment. They are confident that these initiatives will ensure that the delays currently being experienced by subcontractors in securing repayments will be eliminated over the coming months.