asked the Minister for Finance if PAYE and PRSI returns can be identified in respect of workers, other than those directly employed in the Forest and Wildlife Service, employees in the planting, harvesting and extraction of timber on State forests; the amounts received from this source during 1986, or alternatively, the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - PAYE and PRSI Returns.
70.
To determine accurately the precise information requested by the Deputy would require identification of the cases involved and an individual examination of all the income tax returns of such cases. Such an examination could be carried out only at disproportionate cost. However, from the relevant income tax statistics which are available it is tentatively estimated that the net receipt of PAYE income tax to the Exchequer in the year ended 31 December 1986 arising out of the taxation of employees engaged in all forestry activities is of the order of £4 million. Corresponding information is not available in respect of PRSI receipts.