asked the Minister for Finance the amount of State money that was used in 1983 by the Revenue Commissioners for the purpose of locating tax evasion in the gambling industry; and the number of convictions that were obtained.
99.
Written Answers. - Tax Evasion by Bookmakers.
98.
asked the Minister for Finance if he approves of the system used by the Revenue Commissioners for the purpose of locating tax evasion by turf accountants; if there are informants paid by the Revenue Commissioners in this area; and if so the amount that was paid out in 1983.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.
I assume that the Deputy has in mind the measures taken by Customs and Excise Officers to detect and secure evidence of evasion by licensed bookmakers of the excise duty on off-course betting. As part of the day-to-day administration of the duty, officers of Customs and Excise operate regular controls and measures designed, inter alia, to detect evasion of the duty by licensed bookmakers and they also carry out investigations to detect cases of unlicensed bookmaking. The total cost of administering and collecting the duty in 1983 was of the order of £0.76 million.
The number of convictions obtained in 1983 in connection with betting duty irregularities and unlicensed bookmaking offences was 26.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the measures used by officers to curb or detect evasion of the duty are necessary to protect the revenue and I am satisfied that these measures are acceptable.
There is provision for payment of rewards for information relating to excise offences. However, it is not considered to be in the public interest to disclose details in this regard.