The question of repayments of overpaid tax and the application of interest to such repayments has been the subject of considerable discussion in recent times arising from the Ombudsman's report entitled, Redress for Taxpayers, on this issue last November. The provisions in existing legislation have grown over time for different purposes and vary both within and across tax heads. At present there is no general right of repayment of tax or general entitlement to interest. In reviewing this issue I considered it essential that a new general provision be introduced which was coherent across different taxes and situations. It is also essential, as I indicated in my response to the Ombudsman's report, that whatever scheme is put in place should take account of the potential Exchequer costs of any new general scheme. I consider the proposals in the Bill represent a balanced approach to these objectives.