Committee on Members’ Interests of Dáil Éireann Publishes Report into Matters Arising from the Under-Declaration of VAT by M&J Wallace Ltd.

Speaking after the meeting, Chairman of the Dáil Members’ Interests Committee, Thomas Pringle, TD said:  “The Committee attempted to establish a timeline of events, commencing with the making of the false returns and ending with the listing of M&J Wallace Ltd in the Revenue Commissioners’ list of defaulters, for the purpose of establishing the parameters of the Committee’s jurisdiction.  Despite several contacts between this Committee and Deputy Wallace and his solicitors, the Committee has been unable to establish  whether certain aspects of the matters at issue were done by Deputy Wallace  or a connected person during his tenure in office, and thus within its jurisdiction.

The Committee is satisfied from the evidence received that the under-declaration of VAT related to an accounting period prior to Deputy Wallace’s tenure as a member of Dáil Éireann, a period of time which falls outside of the jurisdiction conferred on the Committee by the ethics legislation.

Having taken advice on the matter, the Committee is satisfied that it has no jurisdiction to investigate the tax compliance of Deputy Wallace and or M&J Wallace Ltd., as this is a matter which falls solely to the Revenue Commissioners and, if appropriate, the DPP.

Unless and until Deputy Wallace provides the information sought, together with supporting evidence from the Revenue Commissioners, the Committee is of the opinion that it will be unable to determine its jurisdiction in the matter and in the circumstances is making this report to Dáil Éireann.”

Access Report:

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