Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners will process an application by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 for a tax clearance certificate without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6907/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person in question applied for a tax clearance certificate on 18 February 2005. The application has now been approved and the certificate will issue within the next few days.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will review the tax liabilities of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [6908/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in August 2001 a review of the taxpayer's liability was carried out for the year 2000-2001 and resulted in an underpayment. It was agreed to collect the arrears by the reduction of his tax credits over a four-year period, 2002-2005. The taxpayer's liability has now been reviewed for the years 2001-2003 and balancing statements will issue shortly.

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Finance if a formal application has been submitted to the EU for approval for a scheme to enable excise tax relief to be applied for the production of biofuels; the date of this application; and when he expects a response. [6915/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Section 50 of the Finance Act 2004 provides for the introduction of a scheme for excise tax relief for biofuels. The purpose of the scheme is to allow qualified and conditional relief from excise of biofuel used in approved pilot projects for either the production of biofuel or the testing of the technical viability of biofuel for use as a motor fuel.

A scheme, which includes pure plant oil, biodiesel and bioethanol, has been drawn up in conjunction with the Department of Communication, Marine and Natural Resources. The European Commission has confirmed that the scheme would represent a State aid and consequently its approval is required.

Following meetings between the Department of Finance, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the European Commission, and subsequent clarifications requested by the Commission, a formal application to the Commission was submitted in January. I understand that a decision from the Commission is now imminent. Assuming approval is granted, the necessary commencement order will be signed and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources will set in train the formal process of inviting proposals for the approved scheme.