Written answers

Wednesday, 28 November 2007

8:00 pm

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on introducing assistance for private school bus operators who are to lose the diesel fuel rebate and whose business is in danger with the risk to school bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31350/07]

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 122: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views in relation to the attached submission; the actions he will take as a result of the review to assist with overcoming the stated problems that will affect employment and school transport in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31631/07]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 122 together.

The 2003 EU Energy Tax Directive incorporated special derogations which allowed specific excise duty reliefs to be applied in a number of Member States. In the Irish context, these derogations allowed for reduced rates to apply to fuel used for public transport services which includes school transport services. While these derogations expired on 31 December 2006, Ireland, along with other Member States, sought retention of its derogations beyond that date. However the European Commission, who are the deciding authority, have to date refused all such requests. The Commission maintain that, in keeping with the EU Energy Tax Directive, Member States must apply at least the EU minimum rates of excise on fuels in such circumstances and that any further favourable excise treatment is not allowable. In this regard the Commission's decision was published on its website in March 2007. At the Commission's behest my officials have indicated that Ireland will avail of the forthcoming Finance Bill to make the necessary legislative changes to conform with the Directive. In the circumstances, the relevant line Departments who have primary responsibility in this regard are, in conjunction with my Department, exploring alternative non-tax support mechanisms that could be put in place where appropriate to maintain the assistance currently being provided, subject of course to compatibility with EU State Aid requirements. In the interim the reduced rates applicable to fuel used will be maintained.

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 21 November 2007, the average repayment made to the almost 750,000 tax refund claimants by the Revenue Commissioners. [31372/07]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that approximately 978,000 applications for refund were reviewed and that the average repayment made to each of the approximately 750,000 taxpayers who have received a repayment in 2007 is €655. The repayments are for the years 2003 to 2007 inclusive.

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the most accurate number available to his Department of people in the State who were entitled to a tax refund for the years 2003 to 2007 inclusive. [31373/07]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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It is understood that the Deputy is enquiring about PAYE repayments. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not in a position to give the number of people who are entitled to a tax refund for the years 2003 to 2007 inclusive. This is because the onus is on the individual taxpayer to inform Revenue of changes in their individual circumstances which would give rise to a refund of tax. Without a claim or request for a review, the Revenue Commissioners have no way of knowing whether a refund is due.

The following table gives details of the total number of reviews that were carried out in the years 2003 to 2007 and the number that resulted in a refund.

YearTotal number of reviews in yearTotal Number of Reviews resulting in a refund
2003482,628314,298
2004522,004350,016
2005552,098355,808
20061,032,472663,837
2007 (to 16/11/07) 977,966748,222
It should be noted that not all reviews result in a refund.

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