Mr. Niall Cody:

In 2016 the number of convictions for serious evasion was 18. There is a pipeline of cases. Another 16 have been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions. As the Deputy is aware, an investigation leading to a criminal prosecution takes a significant period and cases are at various levels or stages. Custodial sentences were imposed in 16 of the 18 cases in which there were convictions for serious evasion. Some were fully suspended, while others were partially suspended. Actual prison terms were imposed in four cases, ranging from three months to one year. Up to September this year, we had had 19 convictions for serious tax and duty evasion.