Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014
196. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a tax demand in respect of a nursing home bill query (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17752/14]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that it acts as the collection agent for the Health Service Executive (HSE) in respect of outstanding liabilities arising from the Ancillary State Support Scheme. This role is provided for by Section 26(2)(b) of the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2009. Where the HSE has advanced monies by way of ancillary State support it calculates the amount due in relation to such support and gives notice of that amount and particulars of how it is calculated to the relevant accountable person.
The HSE notifies Revenue of amounts that become due for collection and in all circumstances Revenue makes contact with the relevant person before any collection activity is initiated. Where there are personal or financial difficulties, Revenue will always work with the person, provided there is meaningful engagement. It is only in the absence of meaningful engagement that enforced collection is started. In regard to the specific case to which the Deputy refers Revenue has confirmed to me that it has now been instructed by the HSE to suspend collection activity to allow them further time to examine the issues in question.
