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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 1

Written Answers - Ombudsman's Report.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

121 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if he will issue a directive to the Revenue Commissioners to make the payments outlined in the recent Ombudsman's report. [5466/03]

Willie Penrose

Question:

185 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date in his Department's discussions with the Revenue Commissioners in regard to the Ombudsman's recent report on interest payments in respect of tax repaid, particularly having regard to the continued refusal of the Revenue Commissioners to implement the recommendations made by the Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5366/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 185 together.

These questions concern the Ombudsman's recent report to the Houses of the Oireachtas on foot of Revenue's refusal to implement fully certain of his recommendations following an investigation carried out by him. In his report the Ombudsman made five recommendations. I understand two of these are being implemented by the Revenue Commissioners. The other three concern the payment of compensation for loss of purchasing power or interest. One of these relates to a general scheme and, as Deputies may be aware, this issue is being dealt with in the Finance Bill currently before the House.

I assume the Deputy's question relates to recommendations 3 and 4 of the Ombudsman's report which cover individuals who received tax refunds without compensation for loss of purchasing power. The House will be aware from the Ombudsman's report and the evidence given before the Finance and Public Service Committee by the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners of the particular problems and issues raised for the Revenue Commissioners who must operate within their powers under the law. The House will also be aware that the Minister for Finance does not get involved in individual tax cases. While I appreciate the strength of feeling in the House on the issue, I do not intend to depart from that practice in this instance.

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