Vol. 416 No. 6
74 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if he has reviewed the workings of the charter of taxpayers rights, and if he will consider introducing a similar charter of rights for persons dealing with the wider public service.
The charter of rights which was launched by the Revenue Commissioners on 6 April 1989, is operating successfully, and the Revenue Commissioners are satisfied that the introduction of the charter has led to a significant improvement in the working relationships between the public and the staff of the commissioners.
A charter of rights, as introduced in the Revenue Commissioners, is a public statement of the objectives of the organisation and of the principles which are expected to guide the organisation in its dealings with its clients. The applicability and desirability of such a measure varies from office to office, and depends very much on the nature of the activity in each office.
It is primarily a matter for each Department or office to decide whether a charter of rights would be appropriate in their particular circumstances. Based on the positive experience of the charter of rights in the Revenue Commissioners. I propose to ask each Minister to consider whether the introduction of a similar charter would be practicable and useful in his or her Department.
