Vol. 492 No. 7
191 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the terms of reference of the green taxation committee; the number of times it has met in 1998; its composition; the proposed schedule of meetings in advance of the 1999 budget; the procedures, if any, in place for groups wishing to make a submission to the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15111/98]
I take it the Deputy is referring to the interdepartmental group established following the budget of 23 January 1996 to examine the strategic impact of taxation on environmental policy. The group is chaired by an officer of my Department and it has held regular meetings in advance of the annual budget.
This group is composed of representatives of Departments with an interest in the issues under discussion. The Departments of Finance, Environment and Local Government, Public Enterprise, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Revenue Commissioners are the core members, with other Departments represented when issues of specific interest to them are under discussion.
The group will commence its work for 1998 to prepare for the forthcoming budget shortly. Any submissions which persons wish to make to the group should be addressed to the secretary of the environmental tax group, at the Department of Finance, or can also be sent by fax to 604 5899.
