Michael McCarthy (Labour)

They should be assessed and pay their tax. While it is good that the compliance rate is 88%, this suggests 12% of people are not compliant. Given the cost of €510 million, one wonders how many of the 95,000 recipients are renting properties from those landlords who are among the 12% of non-compliant persons. In the context of budgetary changes, it is helpful to know these statistics.

With regard to the 32,000 people who have been in receipt of payments for 18 months and longer, I understand the PRTB seeks PPS numbers when a tenancy is registered, at least from the tenant. I am not entirely sure about whether they are sought from the landlord. I have dealt with cases in this area and found the PRTB to be very helpful.

From debating legislation in this House, I know the PRTB is not a State service. It is not a public service and is run by a private company. Am I correct in that?