Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will report on the work of the high-wealth unit of the Revenue Commissioners; the number of audits conducted each year from 2000 to date in 2006; the amount of money collected from audits in each year from 2000 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24943/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Revenue Commissioners report regularly on the work of their various Divisions and Units. I am advised by them that the High Wealth Individuals Unit of Revenues Large Cases Division was established in late 2003.

I am further advised that the work of the unit involves the monitoring of the tax compliance of approx. 300 individuals who are considered to be Ireland's wealthiest individuals, each having, in general, a net worth in excess of about €50m. The number of taxpayers is not static and, on the basis of screening, taxpayers may be added to or subtracted from the caseload of the Unit. This unit also monitors the related trusts and private investment vehicles of these individuals. The monitoring involves building profiles of these individuals, researching tax risks associated with the approach of these individuals to the range of taxes for which they are accountable and carrying out a range of compliance interventions, including audits. The unit also provides the usual Revenue customer services to these taxpayers.

During 2004 the unit was primarily involved in identifying its caseload, carrying out research, building profiles and designing compliance programmes. In 2005, the first full year of operation, 21 compliance interventions (including audits) yielded c.€9.5m. To-date this year 19 interventions have yielded c.€13.6m.