Brendan Howlin
Question:208 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the annual report of the Revenue Commissioners. [20754/03]
Written Answers. - Revenue Commissioners' Report.
The 18th annual report of the Revenue Commissioners for the year ended 31 December 2002 was published on the 19 June 2003. There are eight sections in the report, each broadly corresponding to a key objective in the Revenue statement of strategy for the period.
As Minister for Finance, I am pleased to note that Revenue's 2002 annual report highlighted the fact that Revenue's ambitious internal restructuring and modernisation programme is well on track and is leading to a more streamlined organisation.
I also note that powers granted to Revenue in previous Finance Acts are proving very effective in allowing Revenue to carry out its duties. In this connection, I announced, earlier this year, the establishment of a high level group, chaired by Mr. Justice Frank Murphy a former Supreme Court judge, to inquire into the statutory powers now available to Revenue. This review will touch on issues such as the effectiveness of the powers, the balance between the need to secure the revenue of the State and the rights of the taxpayer, whether there is a need for further powers or streamlining of existing ones, comparable powers in other jurisdictions and other regulatory agencies in the State, and what review or appeal mechanisms should be applied.