asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons at present estimated to be earning an income in excess of £5,000 a year.

Statistics relating to income tax are not compiled in such a manner as would enable the information sought to be given. However, table 85 on page 164 of the annual report of the Revenue Commissioners for the year ended March 31st, 1971, shows that for the year of assessment 1970-71 there were 3,849 persons assessed to sur-tax whose total income, as defined for the purposes of that tax, exceeded £5,000. The figure of 3,849 does not include persons whose total statutory income exceeded £5,000 but who because of personal allowances were not effectively liable to sur-tax.

Surely the Minister knows as well as I do that his answer is worthless, that there are large numbers in the country in excess of £5,000 a year who do not come into the system he has referred to? If the Minister had said there are no figures available but that he would hold an investigation——

May I remind the Deputy that I said that statistics relating to income tax are not compiled in such a manner as would enable the information sought to be given? I went on then to be as helpful as I could. Maybe the Deputy does not think I should be helpful.

The information the Minister has given to the House is worthless.

When it is read in conjunction with what I said at the beginning, one can judge its value.

When will the information which the Minister's predecessor promised three years ago be given? He said then it would be made available in the near future.

I am not aware of the alleged promise of my predecessor but if the Deputy would direct my attention even remotely to it I will look into it again.

It was given in the Dáil and followed up by correspondence.

I will look into it.