Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 2 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 4

Written Answers. - Tax Collection.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

149 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Finance if an attachment order in place by the Revenue Commissioners on a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be altered in order that a weekly wage can be paid to his wife and two children, who are in dire financial circumstances and have been refused supplementary welfare allowance by the health board, pending an overall tax settlement for P35 liabilities as a sub-contractor in the building industry; and if some minimum amount will be exempt from the attachment order in view of the family circumstances. [2711/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are seriously concerned about the outstanding tax liabilities in this case, not only because of the amount of tax involved – in excess of £180,000 even before outstanding returns are received – but also because the taxpayer has made no effort to deal with the arrears despite being given a number of opportunities by Revenue to do so. It is fair to point out that enforcement by way of attachment has only arisen because of the taxpayer's failure to discuss the matter with Revenue and agree a suitable arrangement to pay the liability.

The commissioners have noted the family circumstances as set out in the Deputy's question. In the circumstances it will be possible to proceed as the Deputy suggests and allow some easement of the attachment order. In order to arrange this the taxpayer should make immediate contact with the Office of the Collector-General to agree the amounts involved. In due course, provided the taxpayer is prepared to discuss and agree an arrangement to deal with the tax arrears, it may be possible to lift the attachment order in its entirety.