asked the Minister for Finance the manner in which the Revenue Commissioners exercise their powers in relation to information about deposits in associated banks; and if they seek information in regard to deposits or only in regard to the interest thereon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Revenue Commissioners' Powers.
94.
Mr. Kenny
Banks and other trading concerns carrying on business which involves the payment or crediting of interest without deduction of income tax, are required by section 175 of the Income Tax Act, 1967, to supply the Revenue Commissioners with returns of such interest when requested to do so.
These returns relate to interest only and banks or other concerns are not required, and are not requested, to furnish the Revenue Commissioners with information as to the actual deposits.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether there is any truth in the story that in recent times due to the shortage of money in the Exchequer, the Revenue Commissioners——
The Deputy would want to put down a question on that.
It refers to the Revenue Commissioners. I want to know what is the present policy with regard to the Revenue Commissioners. It is alleged that informers are being paid by them to solicit information——
Question No. 95.
Sir, on a point of order, may I submit to you that if you look at the question it does relate to the manner in which the Revenue Commissioners exercise their power in relation to information about deposits in associated banks. I am suggesting that Deputy Fitzgerald's supplementary is related to that.
Deputy Fitzgerald's supplementary deals with what he alleges is rumour which is in circulation.
About the manner in which this power is exercised.
The Chair is saying that if the Deputy wants information like that he should put down that type of question.
It relates to information on deposits being acquired by the Revenue Commissioners——
Supplementary questions are meant to further elucidate information by the Minister or Parliamentary Secretary replying.
Far be it from me to disobey the Chair's ruling but I do not know whether the Parliamentary Secretary is aware of it in his own constituency. In my constituency rumour is rife as to what the Revenue Commissioners are doing at the moment.
The Deputy is giving information to the House.
They are encouraging the informer type to work for them throughout the country and I suspect it is because of a scarcity of money in the Exchequer.
Mr. Kenny
I have never heard such an allegation in County Mayo because I do not believe there are any informers there. There may be in County Cork.
Further arising——
The Chair will not allow argument across the House.