Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that no complaint has been formally brought to their attention by the European Commission regarding the matter raised by the Deputy. The Revenue Commissioners have received a copy of the complaint that appears on the website of the entity named by the Deputy, which mentions anti-competitive practices and policies relating to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the VAT situation of the bodies named in the complaint. I point out that the grounds for a complaint to the European Commission include that a member state or public body has not complied with Community law. On receipt of a formal complaint from the European Commission, Ireland will examine and respond formally to the Commission. As for notifications made to the Revenue Commissioners on this issue, I point out that Revenue is precluded, under section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, from providing taxpayer-specific information to third parties, including elected representatives. As such, they cannot comment on actions, if any, taken or planned regarding the two named entities.

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