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

I thank Mr. Cody and his team for appearing before the committee. I compliment them on the transparent way in which they give us information, which allows us to do our duty as Members of the Oireachtas. That information is helpful. By and large, Revenue does its job well and effectively.

Christmas is approaching and flat rate expenses are being debated in the media. Depending on who one listens to, this matter could affect anywhere between 80,000 and 600,000 employees, including 75,000 shop assistants and 8,000 journalists. These are not highly paid individuals. It is published and stated policy that, in theory, flat rate expenses could be withdrawn from 1 January 2020. We are effectively moments away from the first or second week in January when people will be getting amended tax credit certificates through the post. What is the state of play currently? I do not want to accuse Mr. Cody of being the Christmas Grinch who stole these expenses.