Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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131. To ask the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners can arrange for a deferral of payment in respect of income tax owed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53929/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that its clear preference is always to engage with taxpayers experiencing tax payment difficulties and agree mutually acceptable solutions rather than deploying debt collection/enforcement sanctions to secure payment of outstanding liabilities.

However, such engagement is dependent on open and frank discussion with the relevant taxpayer to identify and implement a solution. Where there is poor or non-engagement then Revenue is left with no alternative but to use its enforcement powers to secure collection, including statutory interest where applicable.

The person in question has a very poor tax compliance record and has accumulated significant tax debts over a number of years. The person has also failed to file their most recent VAT return, which has resulted in estimates being raised in respect of that period.

Revenue has confirmed to me that it has already made every effort to engage with the person over an extended period of time but unfortunately has received no response to date. Revenue also confirmed that it previously provided the Deputy with the contact details of an official who would work with the person to advance matters and has assured me that this arrangement is still available.

To move the issue forward I would urge the Deputy to advise the person to make immediate contact with the nominated official. If the person fails to make contact, Revenue will be left with no alternative but to continue with debt collection/enforcement action.