Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
268. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance when the Revenue Commissioners' public office on Cathedral Street, Dublin 1 will reopen to the public; when the public inquiry telephone numbers will be available again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9791/22]
View answer274. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance when employees of the Revenue Commissioners are expected to return to providing customer services via the telephone and in person. [10028/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 274 together.
I am advised by Revenue that its public offices, excluding ports, airports and trade facilitation stations remain closed until further notice.
Throughout the pandemic, Revenue has continued to provide a full range of online services for taxpayers to manage their tax affairs, which for the most part removes any requirement to access public offices. These services, which include an online communications channel through the MyEnquiries system, are available 24/7, are easy to use and are fully secure.
For customers that are not comfortable with its online services, Revenue provides an extensive telephone service, which has continued to operate since the early stages of the pandemic. The full list of telephone services and their opening hours are available on the Revenue website. Revenue also continues to operate a full service for queries being received through the postal system.
Regarding situations where more complex tax issues exist that require direct engagement, Revenue provides a one to one appointment service with the relevant official. These engagements can be carried out remotely by video conferencing. Such an appointment can be arranged by contacting 01- 738 3660 from 09.30 to 13.30 (Monday to Friday).
Finally, Revenue has confirmed that the timelines around reopening public offices are kept under continuous review. In considering the most appropriate time to reopen offices, Revenue will focus on customer and staff safety as the highest priority.
