Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Revenue Commissioners have very successfully dealt with some legacy issues going back many years encompassing a sum of almost €1.7 billion. This particular issue has now come to their attention. I again emphasise that individual taxpayers are personally responsible. If one has undisclosed taxable income, one is personally responsible for it. I have also pointed out that unlike previously, we have broadened the ambit of the Revenue Commissioners' powers to ensure that anyone who aided and abetted individuals to engage in tax evasion practices will be subject to prosecution.

In the past, the Revenue Commissioners found it difficult to prosecute because of the interpretation of their legal powers. As a result of enactments in this year's Finance Act, the Revenue Commissioners now have the necessary powers to follow up on these issues in a way that was not previously possible as far as both individuals and — should evidence emerge — the companies are concerned. I emphasise that at present, no such evidence is available to the Revenue Commissioners.

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