Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Finance the reason an application by a new company (details supplied) to register for VAT has taken more than four weeks; when a VAT registration number will issue in the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23925/10]

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Finance the current average processing time for a VAT registration; the way this compares to the same time a year ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23926/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 45 together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the application dated 7 May 2010 was received by Revenue on 18 May 2010. On 20 May, a letter issued to the agent confirming that the company had been registered for Corporation Tax and that the VAT application was currently being processed. On examination of the application, further information is required to complete the VAT registration. A letter to this effect issued to the agent on 1 June 2010.

Revenue's Customer Service Standards, published in August 2009, sets a target to register 100% of VAT registrations within 10 working days. The 10 working day standard for VAT registrations takes into account an extra level of scrutiny carried out by Revenue to ensure that the VAT registration is in respect of a legitimate business.

In the period March to April 2009, 93% of VAT Registrations were dealt with within 10 working days. During the corresponding period in 2010, 94% of VAT Registrations were dealt with within 10 working days.