Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 November 2013
30. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to deal with a situation (details supplied) where it was alleged that the State was left short of substantial tax payments as a result of false and improper tax returns by this housing body. [49901/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are unable to comment in relation to any specific cases for reasons of taxpayer confidentiality. Section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (inserted by the Finance Act 2011) placed on a formal statutory basis the long-standing and accepted obligation on the Revenue Commissioners to treat all taxpayer information confidentially. The general position is that all taxpayer information is confidential, and may only be disclosed in accordance with the terms of that provision or under any other statutory provision that allows the disclosure of such information.
I can assure the Deputy that the Revenue Commissioners take appropriate action in any case where concerns regarding the tax compliance of individuals or companies are reported to them.
