Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I appreciate the intention behind the amendment, I believe it is important we do not lose sight of the core functions of the PRTB. Its primary role is to register tenancies and resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. It is not the role of the PRTB to collect revenue; it is the role of the Revenue Commissioners to ensure citizens pay their tax.

However, the PRTB can take and has taken every opportunity to work with the Revenue Commissioners in this area and improve data exchange between the two bodies. In fact, following a recommendation from the Committee of Public Accounts, the 2004 Act was amended in 2009 to make express provision for the exchange of information between the PRTB and Revenue Commissioners. This allows the Revenue Commissioners access to the register of tenancies maintained by the PRTB in order to facilitate tax compliance checks by them. There is already a very proactive collaboration arrangement between the Revenue Commissioners and the PRTB. There is sharing of information, as is appropriate, so we will not be accepting the amendment.