Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
272. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue the Exchequer has received from the exploration of natural oil and gas reserves in each of the past three years; the current estimate of revenue for 2015 and for the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13145/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to tax revenue that is collected from this sector, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a wide range of statistical information is now available on the Commissioners' statistics website at http://www.revenue.ie/en/about/statistics/index.html. In particular, in response to the Deputy's Question, detailed information on net tax receipts collected by sector is available at: http://www.revenue.ie/en/about/statistics/net-receipts-by-sector.pdf. These figures will be updated to include 2014 once receipts for that year are finalised.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that net tax receipts in respect of specific activities such as the exploration of natural oil and gas reserves would most likely be recorded in the trade sector "Mining and Quarrying". I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their obligation to observe confidentiality of taxpayers' information, and the small group of taxpayers encompassed by the sector in question, precludes them from providing more detailed information than already published.
I am also advised by the Commissioners that they do not forecast tax receipts for particular sectors or particular activities into the future.
With regard to other revenue that the Exchequer receives from this sector, that is a matter for the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
