asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the discontent among the staff in income tax offices, referred to by the Commission on Income Tax in its Seventh Report, has grown considerably worse, mainly because of recruitment difficulties and a consequent grave increase in pressure of work: and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the interests of the staff concerned and of the taxpayers in general do not suffer further in this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Staff of Income Tax Offices.
6.
The income tax organisation has been under constant review by the Revenue Commissioners in recent years and substantial measures have been taken by them to modernise and improve working conditions in income tax offices and to relieve generally the pressure of work on the staffs concerned. The growth, however, in the number of taxpayers resulting mainly from wage increases is tending to outstrip the effects of the measures I have mentioned and is presenting accommodation as well as certain recruitment difficulties. The operation of the turnover tax also entails extra work in the tax districts. I have before me recent proposals from the Revenue Commissioners for the provision of additional clerical staff in the income tax offices.
Does the Minister anticipate that there will be an improvement, therefore, in the near future?
I hope so, yes.
The Minister is also aware of paragraphs 718-719 in th Seventh Report of the Income Ta Commission wherein they recommend immediate action be taken, especially in respect of, I think, Dublin General Tax District.
We are taking all this into consideration.
And they can hope for some improvement soon?
I hope so, yes.