Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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243. To ask the Minister for Finance his estimate of the number of persons that would be brought into the income tax net if his proposal to abolish the one parent family tax credit is approved by Dáil Éireann; and the number in each income category starting at an annual income of €16,000 and at intervals of €2,000. [47107/13]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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244. To ask the Minister for Finance his estimate of the number of persons that would be brought into the higher band of income tax if his proposals in relation to the tax treatment of separated parents are approved by Dáil Éireann. [47108/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that based on the most up to date data it is estimated that up to 15,400 individuals may be affected by the restriction of the restructured credit to the principal carer. In addition, it is tentatively estimated that about 5,550 of the estimated 15,400 individuals affected will now become liable to the higher rate of income tax i.e. 41% on a portion of their income, while a further 3,980 are expected to be brought in to the income tax net, i.e. liable to pay income tax at standard rate of tax on a portion of their income as a result of this measure. However, ultimately it will depend on the circumstances of each individual carer.

I am also informed by the Revenue Commissioners that as the individuals who are likely to be affected by the Budget changes are not specifically identifiable on Revenue tax records the statistical basis for measuring the impact of the changes was an estimate of aggregated numbers which were not income specific. Accordingly, there is no basis on which a precise distribution of these individuals by income range could be compiled.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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245. To ask the Minister for Finance his estimate of the number of policies and persons affected by the tax changes announced in budget 2014 in relation to tax relief on medical insurance if there was an across the board 10% rise in health insurance premiums in 2014. [47109/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that based on 2012 data, the most up to date data available, it is estimated that up to 577,000 policy holders, which provide cover for 1.1 million individuals, may be affected by this measure. The Revenue estimate is based on an analysis carried out on the annual returns and the gross premium prices (i.e. before tax relief at source is applied) submitted by the Health Insurers in respect of the 2012 tax year. However, it should be noted that many will only be affected marginally, depending on the cost of the policies that individuals purchase.

The issue of pricing of insurance premiums is a matter for insurers. However, Revenue has further advised that if a 10% increase in health insurance premiums was applied to these figures it would result in some 653,000 policy holders, which equates to just fewer than 60% of all policies, and just under 1.3 million individuals, being affected by the measure.

However, this estimate assumes no behavioural changes on the part of claimants, and a 10% increase in health insurance premiums may have a significant behavioural impact and may not produce the nominal impact indicated. For example, individuals can opt for less expensive policies and therefore reduce the impact of the Budget measure or avoid it entirely.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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246. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. [47126/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The administration of Stamp Duty is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. The Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011 put the independence of the Revenue Commissioners in the performance of their functions on a fully statutory basis.

I am advised by Revenue that there has been ongoing correspondence with the solicitor representing the persons concerned relating to an outstanding Stamp Duty issue. The most recent Revenue letter in this regard was dated 18 October 2013, and set out in detail the issues relating to the purchase of the property in question.

The persons concerned are the accountable persons for Stamp Duty purposes. The late payment of Stamp Duty in the case has incurred penalties, which comprise daily interest, a statutory fine and a late payment surcharge. These statutory charges are imposed in respect of late Stamp Duty payments. They are designed to compensate the Exchequer for loss of revenue, to encourage timely payments and to ensure equity for the majority of taxpayers who pay their taxes and duties on time.

The evidence in this case is that a claim was made for a Stamp Duty relief to which the purchasers had no entitlement. I understand Revenue has, however, noted the background to the case relating to a former legal practice.

I am advised that the Revenue Commissioners are prepared to consider a review of the imposition of penalties in the case, if additional evidence is produced to warrant such a review. Should the persons concerned wish to pursue this, they may contact Ms. Michelle Murphy, Revenue National Stamp Duty Office, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2 (Tel. 01.8689306).