Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Finance the percentage of tax revenue which is raised from indirect taxes. [38184/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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In 2004, revenue from indirect taxes, or excise and VAT, accounted for 44.12% of total tax revenue. In 2005, to end November, indirect taxes accounted for 44.79%.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Finance if there are exemptions from capital gains tax for persons with a disability (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38185/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that on the basis of the information supplied it appears the specific capital gains tax exemptions in place for persons with disabilities is not applicable in the circumstances of the taxpayer in question. These exemptions relate mainly to gains arising on assets acquired from the investment of compensation payments, for example, personal injury claims, hepatitis C etc.

By way of general information, relief from capital gains tax is available where an individual, aged 55 years or over, sells his or her business assets. It applies where assets have been owned for at least ten years, ending on the date of sale, and have been business assets throughout that period. Full relief is available where the proceeds from the disposal do not exceed €500,000; otherwise, marginal relief may apply. I am also advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are prepared to extend the relief where an individual is unable to continue in business due to severe or chronic ill health and sells his or her business assets within 12 months of his or her 55th birthday.

The Deputy should contact the Revenue Commissioners if he would like further details on the availability of the relief in this case.