Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Nov 2001

Vol. 545 No. 2

Written Answers. - Voluntary Disclosure Scheme.

Michael Bell

Question:

35 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Finance if, having regard to the results of the voluntary disclosure scheme announced by the Revenue Commissioners on 19 November 2001, he will outline the information available to the Revenue Commissioners on the number and value of the remaining accounts; if additional resources will be provided for the Revenue Commissioners to allow them to pursue those who have not availed of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29946/01]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have begun the process of using powers, provided by the Finance Act 1999, to identify the holders of bogus accounts. Revenue has lodged papers with the High Court seeking the first in a series of orders of the Court requiring the financial institutions concerned to supply names, addresses and other relevant information to the Revenue Commissioners. I am advised by the commissioners that any estimation of the number or value of the remaining accounts, in advance of the results of them using the powers given by the 1999 Act to identify the account holders concerned, would be unreliable.

The commissioners have emphasised that the estimates of the number or value of bogus accounts previously mentioned – 25,000 or more accounts – are, of necessity, no more than the broadest of estimates, nor does it follow that every holder of such an account will have a tax liability.

I have sanctioned a significant increase in Revenue staff resources in the past year. Some 850 staff will be engaged in the audit and investigation area, which is an increase of some 160 staff over last year's level. I understand the commissioners will keep the position as regards resources under review. They have stressed that Revenue will continue with normal audit work and with the other major investigations in which it is involved. The commissioners have indicated publicly that, if they should need more resources, they will ask for them.