Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I disagree with the Minister. The Finance Bill was published some weeks ago and there is still have more than a month to go before 1 January. If someone who is an offshore tax defaulter has gone to such trouble, then it is almost certain that the moneys and assets - and the trade, if any - involved may well be significant. The Minister will be aware of that.

I welcome that Revenue is now utilising the new sources of information that have become available in the recent past. I also welcome that it has been so active, as this information has become available, in pursuing those who are really giving two fingers to taxpayers, even those on relatively low earnings, who pay both PRSI and USC. Such taxpayers deserve, as far as the Dáil is concerned, this particular mitigation of or reduction in penalties. In fact, those affected are being given an amnesty which has been extended for an extra four months instead of just the roughly two and a half months' notice that has been made available from the time of the budget and the publication of the Finance Bill. I do not see any good reason why the period should be extended. I am of the view that 1 January would be a perfectly operable date for Revenue to bring in the new arrangements.

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