Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016
211. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue office at the Millennium Centre in Dundalk, County Louth is to be closed to the public from 2 September 2016; the number of persons who have used this walk-in service in each of the past five years; how this change will impact on members of the public and on the staff of the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10325/16]
View answerThe following table sets out the number of "walk in" callers to the Revenue Dundalk office and shows a 31% reduction in "walk in" callers to the office over the 5 year period:
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
26,353 |
21,858 |
22,319 |
20,120 |
18,190 |
I am advised by Revenue that there are no plans to close the office to the public on 2 September next. I am aware that Revenue has made a significant investment and has made extensive improvements to its online service offerings, particularly for PAYE taxpayers. This makes it easier for taxpayers to do their business online. The provision of high quality self service, electronic and telephone service channels has impacted on customer need for walk-in type services and resulted in reduced demand from taxpayers, as evidenced by the figures provided. In that context, Revenue had advised me that all service channels and services are subject to ongoing close monitoring and review. In that context, Revenue has emphasised that taxpayers will continue to be provided with a flexible and responsive service commensurate with demand.
