Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending. I would like to touch on three topics. The issue of flat-rate expenses and a summary of the details in that regard was outlined in the opening statement. The number of people affected is significant. Those affected are those who support the country most and have the least control over their tax liabilities. I am not challenging the independence of the Revenue Commissioners but I would like some clarification on what consultation took place on the issue of flat-rate expenses. This seemed to me to come out of the blue. The modest increases which some people got in their net pay following the change to the tax bands could be usurped by changes in the code for flat-rate expenses. As I said, this announcement came out of the blue. At that time, there did not appear to have been any consultation with stakeholders, such as unions, on the issue. I note it has been deferred to 2020, but I would like to hear the witnesses' views on it.