Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Revenue has a track record in this regard. It is interested in trying to accommodate taxpayers. For example, where people make a claim, the credit is provided forever more. People would probably get the benefit, even if they moved. The idea that Revenue is trying to deny them their entitlements is wrong. There is a responsibility on taxpayers to claim their entitlements. The provision of tax relief at source is only possible in respect of certain payments, for the reasons we have given. It is acknowledged that there is a variation in this regard and that the matter is not as simple as suggested. This does not mean, however, that Revenue will not continue to seek to solve the problem more satisfactorily. It will continue to engage to see how it might be able to solve it. Let us acknowledge there is a problem and not suggest Revenue is not interested in trying to solve it.

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