Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

If the group is driven by the Revenue, it will miss much of the action. It is estimated the value of the black economy could be as high as €15 billion a year. While it is difficult to measure, the OECD and Jim Power of Friends First say it is enormous. Does the Minister agree that many activities in the hidden economy other than tax evasion fall within the statutory remit of his Department and it should be the lead agency in driving the new group in conjunction with other Departments? For example, work permits and compliance with company law and health and safety standards are vested in his Department through statutory instruments. I do not get a sense from the Minister that his Department looks on this as even a peripheral concern, not to mind a central concern, and it considers this to be primarily a Revenue issue. More than 100,000 enterprises that employ fewer than ten people are struggling daily in a buoyant economy because illegal, pirate and cowboy operators are not complying with the law. These enterprises are forced to cut corners and reduce their compliance with legal standards, which we all support.

They desperately need help and although the Minister has primary responsibility for the economy and employment, as well as company and employment law within the economy, I do not get the impression that he envisages for himself a central and primary responsibility in the minimisation — it will never be eradicated — of the operation of the black economy. Some people have suggested it has grown by 50% in the past 20 years.

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