Written answers

Tuesday, 21 September 2021

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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17. To ask the Minister for Finance the value to date of requests for tax changes in the 2022 Budget in pre-budget submissions; the main areas for which allocations have been sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44805/21]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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In advance of the Budget, as Minister for Finance I receive a large number of pre-budget submissions on a wide range of issues.

These can range from highly detailed and developed proposals for specific changes to existing taxes, reliefs, exemptions and allowances to more straightforward requests, for example, to increase the single person tax credit. Many submissions contain proposals across a range of taxes and allowances that are of particular relevance to the sector in which the person or representative organisation operates. Some are from individuals describing their personal circumstances to place their proposals in context.

The Deputy will be aware that many representative organisations publish their pre-budget submissions on their websites and see it as part of their communication strategy with their members.

I can confirm that this year I have received approximately 260 submissions to date. My officials and I consider the contents of these submissions in the context of the forthcoming Budget but do not, as a matter of course, estimate the cost of the proposals contained in each submission.

Therefore, it is not possible to place a cash value on the individual proposals and requests or an overall value on their sum. I should add that there is a considerable degree of overlap between many pre-Budget submissions. This can arise coincidentally without necessarily pointing to prior consultation between individuals or organisations. However, it would not be unusual to receive multiple copies of the same or very similar submissions. This can arise when the organisation sends copies of the submission to public representatives who then forward it to me.

As I have previously said, proposals for changes to taxes that reduce the amounts collected create an additional cost, and that cost must be recovered elsewhere. However, very few submissions provide funding suggestions for their proposals and those that do usually propose tax increases for others.

The submissions received cover all the main tax heads dealt with in the Finance Bill, Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Excise, VAT, Stamp Duties and Capital Acquisitions Tax. A number also make reference to the various Covid-19 related supports that the Government has put in place.

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