Shopkeeper could face fines of €100,000-plus

A WEXFORD shopkeeper was warned that she faces fines of at least €26,000 and maybe more than €100,000 unless she sorts out her tax affairs.

Brid Ní Dhubhgaill of 66 South Main Street was before the District Court to deal with 21 summonses issued by the Revenue Commissioners.

Most of the summonses related to failure to make VAT returns but eight alleged that annual income tax returns had not been made.

Representing the State Solicitor, Brendan Curran pointed out that this was the ninth time that the much-adjourned case had been called in court.

He noted that, on a previous occasion, the defendant referred to an accountant in Waterford who was to deal with the matter. Mr Curran said that he had contacted him on the day after the court sitting to be told that the accountant had received no contact from the defendant in eight months.

Ms Ní Dhubhgaill told the court that she had been sick and offered to show the judge medical documentation.

She said she was still trading and sought three months to sort everything out.

Mr Curran pointed out that, if all the summonses are proceeded with, then the fines imposed will amount to around €26,000 at the very least. If a full penalty is handed down, then the bill will come to a six figure sum.

Judge Gerard Haughton explained to the woman that, if she gets her affairs in order, then the Revenue will drop most of the summonses, thus reducing the level of fines.

He urged her to stop prevaricating.

Ms Ní Dhubhgaill’s response was to say that she will give instructions to the accountant within two weeks.

On that understanding, the matter stands adjourned until October 16.

She was advised that, if she has not carried out her undertaking to instruct the accountant, then the case will go ahead on that date.

‘The issues have to be addressed,’ said Judge Haughton.