Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2018
80. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of corporation tax revenue received in 2017 from the aircraft leasing and finance industry; the number of aircraft leasing and finance companies in existence here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5265/18]
View answer81. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of corporation tax revenue received in 2017 from digital and Internet companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5266/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 81 together.
I am informed by Revenue that initial analysis of 2017 data indicate that the net Corporation Tax receipts from the aircraft leasing and finance industry were in the region of €40 million. In relation to the number of aircraft leasing and finance companies, tax returns for 2015 (the latest full year available) indicate there are around 2,600 such companies operating in Ireland.
Regarding Question 5266-18, it is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the Corporation Tax associated with the digital or internet trade element of corporate profits. In the rapidly evolving digital economy, many companies increasingly trade in this environment. Corporation Tax returns do not separate out the digital and internet activities of companies from other activities within the same entity. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that for this reason it is not possible presently to give a comprehensive estimate of the amount of Corporation Tax receipts from digital and internet companies. However, Revenue is reviewing whether further detail can be ascertained in relation to these activities. The Deputy may wish to note that a breakdown of receipts by broad industry sector is available on the Revenue website at
https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/receipts/receipts-sector.aspx.
