Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 6

Written Answers. - DIRT Inquiry.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

55 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance when he expects to conclude his consideration of the steering group report of the Public Accounts Committee dealing with the Revenue Commissioners; if he has brought proposals to Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4675/01]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

Regarding the steering group recommendations which are a matter for decision by Government, I indicated in my reply of 30 November to a question tabled by Deputy McManus that I would await the outcome of the examination of the steering group report by the Sub-Committee on Certain Revenue Matters of the Committee of Public Accounts before going to Government. When I have the findings of the sub-committee, I will consider them and then make my proposals to Government. Regarding timing, I understand the sub-committee concluded its public hearings of the steering group report on 18 January and I await publication of its findings.

In addition to the recommendations of the steering group which are for decision by Government, a significant number are for decision by the management of the Revenue Commissioners with the agreement of the Minister for Finance in so far as its requires higher staffing levels.

In relation to those recommendations which are for decision by the management of Revenue, I indicated to the House in my reply of 30 November last that steps were being taken to implement a number of these recommendations, particularly in relation to the restructuring of Revenue. Since then, I am aware that Revenue recently sought consultancy assistance in relation to the development of the Manpower Advisory Service which has recently been established and for the project management required for the restructuring recommended by the steering group.

I also indicated in my reply of 30 November that my Department had sanctioned an additional assistant secretary post to progress the establishment of the large cases division. This post has since been filled.