Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I reject the usual innuendoes from that side of the House regarding these matters. Unfortunately, I must listen to the same old stuff every day. I have no personal knowledge of anyone availing of such exceptions or reliefs. As is the requirement and norm for questions, I am giving the relevant information rather than engaging in assertion and innuendo.

The reviews are being carried out at the initiative of the Revenue Commissioners. I brought the matter to the attention of the House at Question Time in replies given some months ago. There is nothing new in the fact that those reviews are taking place. It was the intention of the Revenue Commissioners to have them, and they have announced a targeted approach towards the construction industry for this year, with the involvement of 25% of audit personnel concentrating specifically on this sector. It is a national audit focusing on risk in the construction industry under various tax heads. The project is being managed by a national steering group reporting to Revenue management.

The Revenue, in association with the Irish Taxation Institute, organised a series of open fora on the construction industry project. As I have said, those are the sorts of mechanisms the Revenue Commissioners have employed in other sectors where they feel revenue protection might be at risk. When they report to me, I will decide what action is required. I will give no commitment before receiving the report.

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