Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 23 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Dick Spring

Ceist:

51 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff of the Revenue Commissioners involved in investigating and processing cases involving serious cases of tax evasion; the proportion of the overall staff numbers this represents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5267/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

It is assumed that the Deputy's question refers to tax evasion in the area of capital taxes, income tax, corporation tax and value added tax.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that some 700 staff are engaged in audit and investigative work which can lead to the identification of cases of tax evasion. This represents about 11% of the total staffing of the office. Most of these staff are assigned to audit districts. Others are assigned to investigation branch, capital taxes division, and to special assignments, e.g. tribunal-related work, DIRT liability audits, Ansbacher inquiries. Cases may be processed to finality, regardless of size, in the areas where they were identified or may, in certain circumstances – depending on, for example, the complexity of the issues involved or possible prosecution considerations – be referred to specialist areas. Legal staff in the Revenue solicitor's office are available for advice and other support as necessary. Customs and Excise staff in the Revenue mobile service and the Customs Investigation Bureau may also be involved from time to time in tax evasion cases, especially in relation to VAT.

Following a recent proposal by the Revenue Commissioners, I have now agreed to a significant increase in Revenue staffing.