Revenue approach ‘changed’ after Haughey request

THE Revenue Commissioners adopted “a clear change in approach and emphasis” in their negotiations with Dunnes Stores about the supermarket group’s tax bill following an intervention by Charles Haughey in 1987.

The Moriarty Tribunal concluded Mr Haughey had acted with a view to improperly intervening in the tax affairs of Dunnes Stores, shortly after his election as Taoiseach, because of large payments he received from Ben Dunne.

Mr Haughey asked the then Revenue chairman, Seamus Paircéir to meet Mr Dunne to discuss his company’s tax liability. Dunnes Stores had already held largely unsuccessful meetings with Revenue officials about the company trust’s tax liabilities during 1985 and 1986.