Mr. Niall Cody:

I will go to "Other Issues" on page eight on my paper.

Chapter 14 of the Comptroller and Auditor General's report examines the classification of workers for PRSI purposes and considers issues around the classification of employment-self-employment status. As the economy has come through the pandemic and employment has recovered strongly, many sectors are having challenges recruiting workers. Our engagement with business through real-time payroll reporting and the implementation of the various subsidy schemes has given us valuable insights into business activity. While there continues to be strong levels of voluntary compliance for which I commend taxpayers and agents, I have a concern that there is a growing trend in shadow economy activity with a growth in cash only trades, off-books payments, irregular employment agency-sub-contractor practices and identity hijacking, etc., resulting in the non- or partial operation of the tax and PRSI system. We already have and, over the next couple of years, will continue to have a renewed focus on tackling these risks through the use of data, enhanced reporting requirements, increased compliance activity and the continued transition to real-time reporting to support legitimate business, their employees and the State.

The past couple of years presented unprecedented challenges in how and where we work. Revenue staff have risen to these challenges. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Revenue staff for their resilience, commitment and professionalism. Their engagement and dedication enable Revenue to be an adaptable, responsive and high-performing organisation.