Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's comments and commitment to deal with the issue. It is not simply a case of clearing the backlog because the backlog is growing. The Minster referred to the budget being trebled in recent years. The commission received 251 new appeals in January this year, and the number of appeals closed was one. In one month alone this year, there was a net increase of 250 appeals. The problem is growing and getting worse.

A key part of our taxation code is to have a properly functioning appeals system. I can hear from the Minister's comments that this is very much on his radar. It is on the agenda and it is important that it is dealt with. I am keen to reaffirm that view with the Minister and to ask him to redouble the efforts being made. The problem is getting worse despite the efforts made by the Department.