Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
83 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance the number of court prosecutions initiated as a result of tax evasion in respect of each year since 1997; the number of cases in which convictions were secured; the number of cases in which prison sentences were imposed; the sentence in each case; if he has satisfied himself with the level of court cases taken having regard to the high level of evasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29845/04]
View answerI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the following table provides information on court prosecutions initiated for tax evasion:
|
Year |
Number of Convictions |
Fines imposed |
Custodial sentence (suspended in brackets) |
Details of Custodial sentence |
|
1997 |
1 |
€635 |
Nil |
|
|
1998 |
6 |
€42,854 |
2 (2) |
(a) 6 months (suspended) (b) 2 years (suspended) |
|
1999 |
1 |
€19,046 |
Nil |
|
|
2000 |
3 |
€952 |
2 (1) |
(a) 2 years (18 months on appeal) (b) 12 months (suspended) |
|
2001 |
4 |
€14,284 |
4 (2) |
(a) 12 months (b) 6 months (suspended), (c) 6 months (suspended), (d) 3 months |
|
2002 |
3 |
€5,540 |
1 (1) |
6 months (suspended) |
|
2003 |
6 |
€29,365 |
Nil |
|
|
2004 to 17 Nov. |
1 |
€5,000. Fines imposed in relation to 3 charges and sentence adjourned on one charge. |
The Revenue Commissioners has a very clear policy of prosecuting cases of serious tax evasion. The investigations and prosecutions division of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners is responsible for this and the objective is to increase the number of prosecutions. Recent figures indicate that this approach is proving successful. There are currently 41 cases under investigation for potential prosecution, the DPP is considering seven cases and has given directions to prosecute in another eight. Bench warrants have been issued in two cases for failure to attend court and five cases are in the courts process.
