asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the considerable embarrassment caused to taxpayers in the Revenue Commissioners' offices in O'Connell Street, Dublin, because of the system of interviewing in public persons at the head of queues in the presence of all other persons in such queues and of discussing aloud on the telephone the financial affairs of private citizens; and if he will take steps by the erection of cubicles or otherwise to permit persons to be interviewed in private about their financial affairs.
Ceisteanna—Question. Oral Answers. - Revenue Commissioners' Offices: Interviews with Public.
4.
Mr. Ryan
The increase in the numbers of callers to these offices since the introduction of P.A.Y.E. has imposed a strain on the arrangements for interviewing taxpayers. The position will shortly be remedied by the provision of counter cubicles for this purpose. The telephones in the offices in question are so situated that conversations should ordinarily not be audible to members of the public.
Mr. Ryan
I understand there is particular difficulty in this building to which people go to make arrangements for payment of arrears of tax. In many cases these people are in financial difficulties. Does the Minister not think steps should be taken to avoid embarrassing these unfortunate people while they are negotiating some arrangements for the payment of arrears?
As I explained, the position was all right until P.A.Y.E. came along. As a result of that, queries have increased considerably. They are now constructing cubicles which will give privacy.
Mr. Ryan
I wonder could the Minister have special steps taken with regard to officials? I understand there are grievances because the officials speak out loud on the telephone about the financial affairs of these people?
As I say, it should be possible for the officials to use the telephone without being overhead, and they have been exhorted to do so in future.
Is the Minister aware that members of this House were interviewed in the same manner in O'Connell Street, even before the introduction of P.A.Y.E.?
That may be so.