John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am just bringing this matter to Mr. Cody's attention because most of the people, 99% of those I spoke to, were very complimentary about the Revenue Online System, ROS. They were drawing my attention to these issues simply because a better response time for phone queries or longer opening hours would complement what is going on.

The other aspect raised with me, and with which I am not that familiar, concerned compliance-based issues right across the board. People were asking about the extra reporting burdens placed on taxpayers. They said these were costly and do not add much value. I was also told that many returns required are not directly tax-related. Are these surveys that are being carried out or enhanced reporting requirements? I am referring to VAT returns, trading details and Intrastat and VAT Information Exchange System, VIES, information.