Only 25% of tax defaulters pay fines: PAC

national | miscellaneous | other press Thursday June 02, 2005 17:49 by Dusty

And they bang bin tax protestors in jail

- Revenue Commissioners take very few prosecutions against serious tax evaders.
- It also found that the SSIA scheme is costing the government nearly €300m more than expected.
- PAC urges return of Gaeltacht grant

Figures just published show that only around 25% of fines imposed in tax default cases is ever paid.

The Dáil Public Accounts Committee also found that the

The committee chairman, Michael Noonan, said the enforcement system needs to be made more effective and he also called for more random tax audits.

The committee also found that the Revenue Commissioners missed over €3m in DIRT tax in a look back audit on one bank.
It also found that the SSIA scheme is costing the government nearly €300m more than expected.

Tribunals bill could top €1bn

The PAC also heard today that the taxpayer could end up paying another €1bn for existing tribunals of inquiry. It further heard that legal costs from the various tribunals have already totally €200m in legal fees.

According to the committee, based on completed inquiries such as the Beef Tribunal, this figure will increase sharply when third party costs are awarded.

It has recommended that future tribunals be required to summit an annual report and estimate of liabilities.

PAC urges return of Gaeltacht grant

Separately today, the PAC urged Údarás na Gaeltachta to seek to recover a grant of £55,000 paid to a company which does not operate within the Gaeltacht.

At the committee, Chairman Michael Noonan said that while he was not suggesting legal action, some attempt should be made to have the money returned.

The Secretary General of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Gerry Kearny, said that a grant of £66,000 had been mistakenly authorised to a company in December 1998.

However, only £55,000 was paid out by Údarás.

Mr Kearny said there was no evidence that the company had deliberately sought to mislead Údarás, and that no further action was taken.