Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 207: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when he and his Department became aware of the proposed sale by a whistle-blower to European Governments of a list of residents from different jurisdictions with bank accounts in Liechtenstein as has recently happened in Germany; if there has been a proposal to provide the relevant Irish authorities with such a list in return for a some of money; if such an offer has been followed up; if a list of Irish residents with Liechtenstein bank accounts has been, or will be established as a result of such or any other initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9179/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they recently became aware that the German tax authorities have access to a list of individuals holding funds in a financial institution in Liechtenstein. That jurisdiction is one of three jurisdictions which has been listed by the OECD as an uncooperative tax haven. Revenue inform me that they have initiated enquiries with the German tax authorities to establish whether any Irish residents appear on this list.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that it is their policy and practice to encourage and support voluntary and timely compliance both as regards the filing of returns and the payment of taxes due.

Where a person or business experiences particular short-term cash flow difficulties which impact on the capacity to meet the relevant tax obligations, Revenue encourages such an individual or business to make contact with the Collector-General at the earliest opportunity. The Collector-General would be prepared to explore any reasonable proposals that would bring about full compliance with the tax obligations. Such proposals may include a phased payment arrangement, but such an arrangement would include interest. The specific proposals for phased payments in any individual case would depend on the overall circumstances, including the health of the business, and would be discussed with the taxpayer and/or his agent.