Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 81 to 83, inclusive, of 12 January 2012. It was never expected that 150,000 pensioners would have extra tax liabilities. In that reply I stated the Revenue Commissioners had advised me that in some cases the pensioners were paying too much, in others too little and that others would be exempt.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have amended the records of those persons in receipt of Department of Social Protection pensions in 2012 with the most up-to-date information received from that Department. This ensures these taxpayers will pay the correct amount of tax this year on all their known income sources. In addition, the Revenue Commissioners advise that they have issued tax exemption certificates to the employer and pension providers of some 15,000 taxpayers whom they believe will be exempt from tax in 2012, even with the full Department of Social Protectin pension taken into account. Furthermore, the Revenue Commissioners state they will shortly automatically review the tax position of a further 20,000 taxpayers to ensure they did not overpay tax in 2011.

The Revenue Commissioners also advise that for the past number of weeks since taxpayers received the letters in question, they have been updating their records with information supplied on foot of direct contacts by the taxpayers where they, until now, did not have the most complete and up-to-date information available to them. Furthermore, at the meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform on 11 January the chairman of the Revenue Commissioners indicated that additional analysis had to be carried out and that work was still ongoing.

The Revenue Commissioners further advise that discussions with groups representing pensioners are ongoing and that they will be in a position to publish a number of additional "frequently asked questions" by the end of the week. Regarding the budget estimate of additional yield, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimate of €45 million for additional liabilities due is still valid.

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