To ask the Minister for Finance whether the Inland Revenue authorities are justified in demanding payment of income tax assessed in respect of periods before the signing of the Treaty, and, if so, whether this tax is demanded for the benefit of the Irish Exchequer or of the British Exchequer.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - INCOME TAX PAYMENTS.
PROINSIAS Mag AONGHUSA
MINISTER for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Desmond Fitzgerald)
replying for the Minister of Finance:—All arrears of income tax and of other taxes, for whatever period charged, form part of the Irish revenue, and none of these sums accrue to the benefit of the British Government. It is the duty of the Revenue authorities to enforce payment of amounts still outstanding, the prompt collection of which is essential in the National interest. The Government must expect taxpayers to recognise their responsibility to the State by making immediate payment of their revenue obligations.