Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Minister for Social and Family Affairs for taking the time to reply to my Adjournment matter. Although it may be a complex issue I raise this matter for a simple reason. Suppliers of goods and services to the State must supply a tax clearance certificate if the good costs in excess of €6,500. In the case of people who provide professional services to the State, such as archaeologists and geologists, the State retains 20% tax from the amount of money they are due before it pays them. At the end of the year, the supplier can regulate his or her affairs with the State and if there is an overpayment of tax, he or she is given a refund.

In recent years there has been an increase in accommodation in the rented sector and in the amount of money the State is giving to it. Concerns have been raised with me regarding the safeguards and procedures the State has in place to ensure landlords, to whom money is being paid, are fully tax compliant. If they are not fully tax compliant, it means their mortgages are being paid by the State. I would like the Minister to outline for my information and, I am sure, that of many others, the procedures in place and whether they will be tightened up if necessary.