asked the Minister for Finance if it is a requirement of the Revenue Commissioners that farmers who furnish accounts must have their accounts compiled and presented by an accountant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that farmers are not obliged to have their accounts for tax pur-poses prepared and submitted by accountants. The farmer himself may prepare the accounts or he may employ any other person to prepare them on his behalf. However, a degree of competence in the area is obviously desirable. The inspector of taxes will have to be satisfied that the accounts are properly prepared, reflect accurately the financial position of the farm and are based on proper books and records.

In my budget speech I said that I recognised that farmers in the £40 to £50 range of rateable valuation might have difficulty in preparing accounts. I announced, therefore, that a simplified form of accounts would be used in these cases and that the Revenue Commissioners would consult with the farming organisations to examine the form such simplified accounts should take. As a result of these discussions, a form of simplified accounts has been prepared and it is expected that it will be put into operation this year.

If the Revenue Commissioners write to a farmer who does not have to submit an account does that farmer then have to submit one? In other words, if they write to a farmer who has a valuation of, say, only £20 does he have to submit an account?

The question relates to whether he must have an accountant.

It is a simple question. I do not want to argue with the Chair. I would like the Minister to answer.

The Minister may if he will, but I must rule out questions that are not in order.

I cannot imagine that the Revenue Commissioners would write to a farmer who is below £40 rateable valuation. If he is below £40 rateable valuation he is not liable to submit accounts.