Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I am aware of the late arrival of tax certificates. The Minister has given a report on this today to the Select Committee on Finance and the Public Service. I am not aware of the underpayment-overpayment of tax by those on the Houses of the Oireachtas payroll. I will ask the Department of Finance to check this.

The new child care scheme which we have introduced will be ready by the due date, as I said in the House two weeks ago. A report suggested it was way behind schedule but my information is that it is on schedule. I am not aware of any major problem in Revenue. It usually takes them some time to issue all of their certificates. Revenue's computerised system is credited as being among the best and most efficient, not only here but abroad. They are well recognised for this.

In reply to Deputy Rabbitte's question on the Houses of the Oireachtas payroll issue, it has not been brought to my attention but I will ask the Department of Finance to check it.

See this speech in context