Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 3

Written Answers. - Ansbacher Accounts.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

32 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance the number of individuals, companies and trusts being investigated by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the Ansbacher accounts at the latest date; the number of cases where settlements have been agreed; the total amount paid to date; the number of cases still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12412/02]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their Ansbacher review team has been carrying out detailed investigations since October 1999. The investigation has essentially two elements: there are Ansbacher type arrangements and there are other cases involving offshore funds and deposits.

Revenue has advised that the review team has inquired into 221 cases to date. This total consists of 121 cases named by the authorised officer and 100 similar cases subsequently discovered by Revenue. A total of 190 cases are under active investigation. Investigations have not yet commenced in the remaining 26 because of insufficient identity information, apparent non-residency or the 1993 amnesty being claimed. The investigation is now concluded in five cases. The investigation includes examining the tax position of disclosed entities and accumulating and assembling information on other connected entities. The number of connected entities in relation to core cases under investigation is now nearly 700.

Revenue is making extensive use of its legislative powers to seek books, records, documents and information in the cases being investigated. Where appropriate, prosecutions will be considered but these will depend on the level of evidence available.

To date a total of €16.90 million has been received, mostly by way of payments on account, in respect of 50 cases. This is made up of:

	Cases	Amount€m (£m)
Cases on Authorised Officer's report	24	6.20 (4.88)
Additional Ansbacher cases identified by Revenue	17	4.19 (3.30)
Other cases involving offshore funds or deposits	9	6.51 (5.13)
Total	50	16.90 (13.31)

As regards the five cases which have been concluded, one had no additional liability and the other four cases were settled on payments amounting to €1.157 million, £910,000 – included above. Revenue has informed me that the investigations are time consuming and complex and are likely to continue for some time to come.