Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware the pension fund levy was introduced at a time when the economy was in very serious difficulties. It was charged on the market value of assets in pension schemes held on 30 June in each year at a rate of 0.6% (2011 to 2013), 0.75% (2014) and 0.15% (2015). The levy was discontinued from 2016.

Liability for the levy rested with trustees of pension schemes and others responsible for the management of pension fund assets. Under the legislation, the payment of the levy was treated as a necessary expense of a pension scheme and it was a matter for the trustees or insurers to decide when and how the levy should be passed on to scheme members and to what extent, given the particular circumstances of the pension schemes for which they were responsible. I have no detailed information on the decisions made by any pension fund trustees or others in relation to this matter

I am advised by Revenue that, due to its obligation to maintain taxpayer confidentiality, as provided for in Section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, it cannot provide any details in relation to amounts of taxes or duties paid by an identified taxpayer.

I am further advised that the available statistical information in respect of the pension levy is published on the Revenue website at revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/receipts/receipts-stamp-duty.aspx .