Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will make provision that the consultancy studies in relation to the tax review will be published ahead of budget 2006 in order that there can be an opportunity to consider their implications for tax policy before Dáil Éireann must make decisions. [18419/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware in my 2005 Budget Statement, I announced that my Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners are to undertake a detailed review of certain tax incentive schemes and tax exemptions in 2005. This review will evaluate their impact and operation including their economic and social benefits for the different locations and sectors involved and to the wider community. In addition, the review will examine the degree to which these schemes allow high income individuals to reduce their tax liabilities.

I subsequently announced in a press release on 6 January 2005 that my Department had advertised for external consultants to review certain tax incentive schemes. On 9 April 2005, I announced the award of two external consultancy contracts for the reviews. Following a detailed examination of the qualifying tenders by a special interdepartmental group, the successful candidates were Goodbody Economic Consultants in respect of the area based urban renewal, town renewal, rural renewal and the living-over-the-shop schemes and Indecon Economic Consultants for the sectoral property tax incentive schemes, namely, multi-storey carparks, park and ride facilities, student accommodation, third level buildings, hotels, holiday cottages, nursing homes, private hospitals, sports injuries clinics, child care facilities and refurbishment of rented residential accommodation.

These reviews are scheduled to be completed in time to inform the development of the 2006 budget and Finance Bills. I am not yet in a position to indicate any likely publication date for these studies.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that statistics are maintained on the basis of the number of balancing statements issued as against the number of requests received for balancing statements. A separate balancing statement is issued in respect of each year involved in the review request.

The number of reviews of their tax liability sought by PAYE taxpayers in the past five years which resulted in refunds are as follows:

It is not possible to indicate the amounts involved in reviews requests which are currently on hands as any overpayments or underpayments are only known when the review is completed. In the period 1 January to 9 May 2005, a total of €145,282,804 has been repaid on foot of the reviews processed.