Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Howlin for raising this issue. It is one that I am now aware of. As the Deputy fairly acknowledged, this is not an issue that was dealt with in the Finance Bill, nor was it legislated for in the House. It concerns an interpretation of our tax code by the Revenue Commissioners which, as everyone knows, are independent of direction from me. I had been aiming to deal with the matter through the tax advisory group, which publishes papers on topics such as this each summer that allow the Government and stakeholders to explore options to determine how issues can be dealt with. In the case in question, the Revenue Commissioners have now made a decision on the interpretation of the law. I have to accept its right to do so and the consequences of that. In answer to the Deputy's question on whether we will engage with stakeholders on the matter to determine how it can be dealt with, we will do so but I am bound, as Minister for Finance, to abide by the interpretation of the Revenue Commissioners, which I will do.

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