Vol. 396 No. 6
104 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of PAYE which is paid over from employers on the due date each month; the percentage which is paid 30 days late; the percentage which is paid 60 days late; the percentage which is paid 90 days late; and if he will give similar information regarding VAT returns.
The Revenue Commissioners have advised me that, as their statistics are maintained on a calendar month basis for PAYE and VAT, it is not possible to furnish the information sought by reference to the due dates.
The table under has, therefore, been compiled by reference to the due month, which is the month within which the due date falls. While there are variations from month to month, the percentages shown represent recent payment patterns.
|
PAYE |
VAT |
|
|
% |
% |
|
|
Paid by end of due month |
85 |
60 |
|
Paid by end of following month |
95 |
80 |
|
Paid by end of next following month |
97 |
87 |
|
Paid by end of next following month |
98 |
92 |
105 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a delay of up to four months in the section of the Revenue Commissioners dealing with VAT repayment for farmers; to the fact that the section is so understaffed that there is a week's delay in opening the post; and if, in view of the serious situation in which many farmers find themselves at present owing to their reliance on VAT refunds, he will make special arrangements for the clearance of the backlog.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that claims for repayment of VAT to farmers are dealt with as expeditiously as possible. The delays mentioned by the Deputy have not arisen in regard to the processing of the majority of claims. The arrears position and staffing levels are continuously monitored to ensure that claimants are repaid as quickly as possible.
