Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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116. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of persons making tax returns based on being taxi drivers; the number of taxi drivers paying tax and making a living solely on this profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27861/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant sector based information available on individuals in the taxi industry is derived from Income Tax returns filed for the tax year 2012. These figures are available for self-employed taxpayers only.

On this basis, there are approximately 17,500 individuals in the taxi industry that made returns for tax purposes for the tax year 2012. Of these, around 8,200 had a liability for tax.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to identify from their records, the number of taxi drivers making a living solely on this profession.

I am further advised by the Commissioners that the sector marker used on their records to identify tax drivers is "taxi operation and also includes renting of private cars with driver". This is derived based on "NACE code (Rev. 2)", an internationally recognised economic activity code system. NACE code classifications on tax records are compiled by reference to the primary area of economic activity reported by the taxpayer and taxes collected are allocated to these codes without reference to the precise activity that generates them. While the accuracy of the NACE codes on Revenue records is sufficient to underpin broad sector based analysis, there may be inaccuracies at individual level. This should be borne in mind when considering the information provided above. NACE codes are not essential for the assessment and collection of taxes and duties and the allocation and maintenance of these codes is subject to available resources.