Tom Barry (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Given that I run a business, I am well aware of the procedure. In my experience, Revenue is very fair. There should be a timeframe for the length of time one spends with Revenue before a case trips into the jurisdiction of the Office of the Appeal Commissioners. Tightening of time concentrates everybody's minds. I am completely against holding these appeals in public. Many businesses have come through very tough times and do not necessarily want to show everybody that they are not as strong as people might perceive because, if they do, their suppliers might not give them credit, which would be very difficult for them. The number of people who have non-core debt which they are trying to negotiate with banks would become apparent, which would be an infringement of their rights. Holding an appeal in cameraensures it can be scrutinised at a later date if there is an issue. Nobody here would like to put their financial dealings out on the table. The Revenue Commissioners do not always get it right, as they must interpret legislation. I know many tax officials who will sit down and tease out a point. This would cross a Rubicon, although I can see why some people would like it. Business people would typically decide to settle with Revenue rather than go to an appeal and risk putting all their financial details in public.