Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Cody noted that Deputy Michael McGrath had made a point on budget day about there being 3,031 applicants for these jobs, as confirmed by the Public Appointments Service. Deputy Michael McGrath contended that Government and Revenue should have taken the opportunity afforded by the high number of applications to recruit the number that Revenue needs, although I appreciate Mr. Cody's point that the media put a spin on the figures. I know everyone uses soft language in the Dáil Chamber, conscious of the need to "de-dramatise", to use that popular word, but if one turns on the television, one will see Theresa May going through Cabinet members like Brian Cody goes through hurls on a training night in Kilkenny. She is going down. That is happening. I would appreciate if Mr. Cody could be candid and tell us and, more important, the public the truth. If this thing spirals out of control, will Revenue be able to react? He said Revenue was asked about the possibility of speeding up the process, and that will probably be required. I appreciate his point about investment in ICT infrastructure, but will Revenue have enough trained officials by March 2019 to deal with the doomsday scenario, or will a "Dad's Army" scenario be required?