Vol. 509 No. 5
117 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the number of plcs that have had revenue audits carried out in each of the past ten years; whether there is any difference of treatment in carrying out such audits in the case of plcs as against those carried out in the case of small business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20839/99]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that statistics are not maintained in a manner which identifies separately audits carried out on plcs or their subsidiaries in each of the past ten years.
It should be borne in mind that there are many significant companies that are not plcs, or subsidiaries of plcs, and that some plcs, including their subsidiaries, are not significant companies in this context.
The approach adopted in every audit, small or large business, is determined by the possible tax at risk. Large businesses are, however, subject to more intensive examination. The returns for all large business, including plcs, are examined every year and some audit checks are carried out at least once every two years whereas in small business, the returns are checked less frequently and there is no pre-determined level of audits to be carried out. The duration of audits of large companies, including plcs, is generally longer than those on small business and these audits are dealt with by more experienced staff.
