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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Nov 2001

Vol. 545 No. 2

Written Answers. - Revenue Investigations.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

54 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance the number of individuals, companies and trusts being investigated by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the Ansbacher accounts; the number of cases in which settlements have been agreed; the total amount paid to date; the number of cases outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29962/01]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their Ansbacher review team has been carrying out detailed investigations since October 1999. The investigation has essentially two elements. There are Ansbacher-type arrangements and there are other cases involving offshore funds and deposits. Revenue has indicated there are 185 Ansbacher type cases consisting of 121 cases named by the authorised officer and 64 similar cases discovered by Revenue. The investigation includes examining the tax position of identified entities and accumulating and assembling information on other connected entities. The number of connec ted entities in relation to core cases under investigation is now more than 600.

Revenue is making extensive use of its legislative powers to seek books, records, documents and information in the cases being investigated. Where appropriate, prosecutions will be considered but these will depend on the level of evidence available. To date a total of £12.33 million, 15.66 million, has been received as payments on account in 47 cases. This is made up of:

Cases on Authorised Officer's report

24 Cases

£4.81 million

(6.11 million)

Additional Ansbacher cases identified by Revenue

15 Cases

£3.14 million

(3.99 million)

Other cases involving offshore funds or deposits

8 Cases

£4.38 million

(5.56 million)

Total

47 Cases

£12.33 million

(15.66 million)

The investigation into three cases has been concluded: one following clarification from the taxpayer and the other two cases were settled on payment of £200,000, 253,948, and £220,000, 279,342, respectively. Other than these, no cases have been settled and the other payments received represent payments on account. It is quite clear that the investigation is more extensive than earlier envisaged. Revenue has informed me that it is both time-consuming and complex and it is likely to continue for some time to come but that it is confident that the investigation will yield significant results.
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