Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I appreciate Deputy Burton's acknowledgement, as I am sure will the Revenue Commissioners, that there have been substantial improvements in the customer-friendly character of this body. The amendment seeks to change how the Ombudsman prepares her report, but I know Deputy Burton is anxious to broaden the subject to include a taxpayers' advocate. We can consider this first from the point of view of the Revenue Commissioners and its ongoing efforts to improve its services. I have put much material on the record of the House in this regard and I do not want to put more, although there is more. It is worth considering the fact that among PAYE taxpayers seeking reviews of their tax liabilities, the number of reviews processed in 2008 was 1.3 million, of which 864,000 related specifically to 2008, giving rise to repayments of €590 million. In contrast, in 2007 1.2 million reviews were undertaken. Clearly there is much work going on in the Revenue Commissioners.

The point Deputy Burton makes is that there must be a constant basis of consideration from the perspective of the taxpayer so that further improvements are made. In that context, I will arrange for the various practical issues she raised to be brought to the attention of the commissioners to see how they can be addressed within the system.

I remain unconvinced that there is merit in requiring the Ombudsman to include particular things in her report. The Ombudsman is independent, of course, but I am sure she would respect a representation to the effect that we should ensure that her capacity as a person of ultimate resort in taxation matters should be drawn to the attention of the public.

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