Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the pre-budget submission from an organisation (details supplied) outlining specific requirements; if consideration will be given to the requests in the context of budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47434/21]
View answer169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has received a pre-budget submission from an organisation (details supplied); if consideration will be given to the submission in the context of budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47436/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.
In advance of the Budget, as Minister for Finance I receive a large number of pre-budget submissions on a wide range of issues.
These can range from highly detailed and developed proposals for specific changes to existing taxes, reliefs, exemptions and allowances to more straightforward requests, for example, to increase the single person tax credit. Many submissions contain proposals across a range of taxes and allowances that are of particular relevance to the sector in which the person or representative organisation operates. Some are from individuals describing their personal circumstances to place their proposals in context.
The Deputy will be aware that many representative organisations publish their pre-budget submissions on their websites and see it as part of their communication strategy with their members. The vast majority of these pre-budget submissions are sent electronically to my office in the Department of Finance and this is the preferred method of receipt.
I can confirm my office has received the Macra Na Feirme and the Irish Cancer Society submissions respectively. The contents of both submissions will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget.
However, as the Deputy may be aware, it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
