(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange with the Revenue Commissioners to deliver to personal callers during the postal strike all documents lodged for stamping assessment, etc. when they are ready for delivery.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Revenue Documents.
15.
Stamp duty matters have been dealt with by long-established practice either by personal attendance at the stamps branch or by use of the postal services. The practice of calling to the stamps branch and dealing there with stamp duty matters has not been interfered with in any way by the current dispute affecting the postal services. The alternative procedures which relied on the postal services for the despatch of documents are regrettably not available while the postal strike continues.
(Cavan-Monaghan): The position is that documents which were posted to the Revenue Commissioners, were received by them before the commencement of the postal strike and were ready for delivery to the applicants shortly after that, are being held by the Revenue Commissioners. Is the Minister aware that they will not be delivered to personal callers? Should the long-standing arrangement not be departed from in the present emergency and documents handed out to their owners who call for them? Will the Minister ask the Revenue Commissioners to be more flexible and cooperative with such applicants?
I am aware that there were some cases where there was difficulty because of the Revenue Commissioners not being satisfied as to the identity of callers, but I do not think that is what the Deputy is referring to. I will refer the Deputy's comments to the Revenue Commissioners with a view to alleviating the position.
(Cavan-Monaghan): It is unlikely that somebody who is not entitled to collect such documents will call to the Revenue Commissioners for them. It is usual that the person who calls is a solicitor, or his town agent, who is known to the Revenue Commissioners Office.
There were cases of difficulty of identification and I am sure the Deputy, more than most Members, appreciates the difficulties which could follow from the handing out of documents of this kind to the wrong party. However, I will convey to the Revenue Commissioners the Deputy's observations with a view to an alleviation of the position.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am told it is not a question of identity but that any document sent in by post will not be given to callers.
I will convey the Deputy's remarks to the Revenue Commissioners.