Vol. 525 No. 1
78 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the Association of Inspectors of Tax that shortage of staff at senior inspector level has limited the capacity of the Revenue Commissioners to undertake corporate audits, particularly of large companies; the steps he is taking to address the staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23475/00]
I am aware of the comments in question. I have con sulted the Revenue Commissioners who have indicated that they do not agree with them. I am advised by the Commissioners that senior inspectors of taxes in audit areas are normally engaged on management duties and act in a consultative capacity for auditors. Accordingly, they are not normally engaged directly in carrying out audits as such. In addition, the Commissioners have pointed out that it is essential to have an audit presence in each segment of the tax paying population and the Revenue audit programme aims to strike a balance between the audit of various risks and entities of varying size.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there has been some reduction over the past year or more in the number of Revenue audits, due to the reassignment of auditors to DIRT, Ansbacher and other high priority investigations. This was a factor which I took into account when, earlier this year, I approved a major staffing increase for Revenue to deal with growth in the volume of business and other requirements. This package of over 350 posts includes 166 for taxes audit and investigation work. The details of this package, which includes a number of additional appointments at senior inspector level, have been discussed in depth with the relevant Union and their agreement is awaited.
