David Norris (Independent)

I join other colleagues who called for a debate on the report of the Ombudsman. It is unique for the Ombudsman to make this kind of report and it is extremely worrying. Even the report's summary says that the Revenue Commissioners failed to meet the standards required by fair or sound administration in their dealing with the 12 complainants covered in this report. The Revenue Commissioners replied at lunchtime by saying exactly as Senator Higgins has said that there is a legislative requirement. They bounced it back at the Oireachtas. However the Ombudsman addresses this report by saying that the basis on which they decided, i.e. that there is no statutory authority to pay compensation, involves a serious misrepresentation of the position. This is a very serious matter which the House should address. The Ombudsman goes on to say that such misrepresentation is a direct and unprecedented challenge to the authority vested in this office by the Oireachtas.