Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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129. To ask the Minister for Finance if there is a set time for processing flat rate addition refunds from the Revenue Commissioners; if he will investigate the reason refunds due to Irish breeders (details supplied) are taking longer than normal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23361/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the procedure for the company in question to receive a flat-rate addition refund under the European VAT Refund (EVR) system requires it to firstly apply to the UK HMRC. HMRC review the refund application, approve it and forward it electronically to Revenue. The allowed time under EU Directive 2008/9/EC for processing such claims is up to four months from the date of receipt of a claim. However, if it is necessary for Revenue to request additional information in respect of a claim, the maximum time limit can be extended up to eight months.

Revenue has confirmed that it received the claims in question via electronic transmission in January 2013 and April 2013. The claims required certain clarifications from the company and discussions in this regard are ongoing. I am assured by Revenue that the claims are receiving immediate attention and payment will issue as soon as the required clarifications are received.