Vol. 519 No. 5
54 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance if, arising from the commitment given in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, he will outline the way it is intended to strengthen the role of the existing monitoring group on tax evasion and fraud; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14270/00]
Paragraph 6 of Framework 1 of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness confirms the social partners' commitment to strengthening the role of the existing monitoring group, which was set up under previous partnership agreements.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, they are currently looking at ways in which the role of the monitoring group can be strengthened and it is understood that trades union and other interests will also have proposals to make about the future work of the group. Following the proposed discussions, suitable programmes will be drawn up.
I also understand the social partners have indicated they are satisfied that the group, as at present constituted, serves a useful function as a forum for raising their concerns about tax and social welfare fraud and for keeping them up to date on the efforts of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs in combating such activities.
