asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the difficulties experienced by taxpayers calling to the PAYE office in O'Connell Street, Dublin, to discuss their difficulties, because of the absence of suitable inquiry and interview officers and the lack of facilities to allow taxpayers' problems to be discussed in private; and if he will have immediate action taken in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin PAYE Office.
22.
The provision for members of the public to discuss their PAYE problems at the offices in O'Connell Street, Dublin, is normally adequate. There are nevertheless occasional periods of pressure when congestion occurs and when it is necessary to have some of the less experienced officers deal with callers. During these periods, however, senior members of the staff are always available to deal with any point of difficulty which may arise.
In the ordinary course the arrangements provided enable the public to discuss their problems with a reasonable amount of privacy. Where, however, a taxpayer specifically requests a private interview he is, of course, given this facility. Rush periods naturally place a heavy strain on both staff and accommodation and it will be appreciated that at such times some delay and congestion are unavoidable.
Would the Minister be good enough to investigate the complaint I received from a taxpayer who went to discuss his particular problem? He informed me that he was more than two hours being passed from Billy to Jack before being referred to the correct quarter to deal with his problem. Perhaps the Minister will bear in mind that I am concerned that an adequate inquiry system or a form of conduit system should be established which will cause the people concerned the least possible delay in having their problems dealt with.