Vol. 517 No. 2
51 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if a special team of senior officers in the investi gation branch of the Revenue Commissioners has been established to investigate the tax affairs of 120 individuals linked to the Ansbacher deposits; if so, when it is expected the investigation will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9352/00]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that on 23 September 1999 they set up a special unit to investigate the tax compliance position of the individuals named in the report of the authorised officer on the examination of the books and documents of Ansbacher (Cayman) Limited which was provided to Revenue. This unit began operating in October.
There have been communications with various parties involved in the matter and the investigations are likely to be time consuming and detailed, covering the individuals named and associated persons and trusts. The investigations cover events from the 1970s onwards and it is not possible at this stage to make any estimation of when they will be concluded. Revenue are using the new powers in the 1999 Finance Act as part of the investigation.
