Vol. 536 No. 4
20 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Finance the investigation which has been held by the Revenue Commissioners into reports that a hotel in Dublin city centre (details supplied) opened temporarily for a number of days prior to the 6 April end of the tax year to avail of tax reliefs and then closed again; the steps being taken to close such loopholes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14224/01]
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, it is established practice that a Minister for Finance does not answer a parliamentary question about the tax affairs of an individual or a company, other than when the Deputy asking the question is asking the question on behalf of the taxpayer. In this instance it would appear the Deputy is not asking the question with the consent of the company concerned. In these circumstances, therefore, I regret that I must accept the advice of the Revenue Commissioners that the information sought should not be divulged on grounds of confidentiality.
By way of general comment which is unrelated to any case, the Deputy may take it that Revenue monitors very closely any perceived abuses of the tax system and take appropriate action in the circumstances. If changes in legislation are deemed necessary the Revenue would normally bring forward recommendations to counter such abuses.
