John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There does not seem to be any solace in the Minister of State's reply for the farmers who received these letters yesterday. The Revenue Commissioners stated they look forward to hearing from the recipient within 21 days. Will the Minister of State clarify if Revenue will pursue all the individuals in question for penalties and extra payments and subsequently publish their names in the newspapers? That is what is written down in the letter I read out to the Minister of State earlier.

A share price is only realised on the day it is sold. These happen to be Kerry Group shares. What if these were shares of less value or if the share price had completely collapsed? Where would one be then, having paid income tax on a share which is worthless? I am struggling to come to terms with Revenue's analysis. If it is to be taxed at the income tax rate, then it should be when the shares are sold. One cannot ask somebody to pay income tax on what is effectively a piece of paper. This happens in cases where companies reward employees with bonuses of shares, namely, the tax is paid when one realises the value of the share.

At the very least, I request that each individual will be written to again and told this issue will be dealt with in a fair and timely manner, as well as removing the threat of prosecution, penalties and the publication of the individual's name in the newspapers?

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