Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

Once again the Tánaiste has not answered my question. I asked for an estimate of the amount of unclaimed taxes. When the Tánaiste's Department rang me in this regard, I told it which specifics I was looking for.

The point I am making is straightforward. In 2007, there were refunds in the order of €530 million. I have with me the strategy to help customers in paying the correct amount and getting their entitlements, but I cannot see a specific strategy to enable people to claim their correct credit entitlements or to collect the correct refunds. Is the Tánaiste responsible for the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners? Will he instruct the latter to put the same effort into informing people of their entitlements so that they can claim their credits? Many credits — medical expenses, college fees, bin charges, trade union memberships, medical insurance at source, the old age tax credit, rent relief, rent-a-room relief, the dependant relative allowance and DIRT exemptions in the case of over 65 year olds — can be claimed if people are aware of them. However, many people are unaware of them.

Now that the tax credit certificates have issued, will the Tánaiste instruct the Revenue Commissioners to engage in a high-profile media campaign, by way of television, the Tánaiste himself or otherwise, to inform people of the situation and allow them to claim their correct refunds from the preceding four years and their correct credits for this year?

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