Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator O'Keeffe and express my sympathy to Mary Raftery's family. I acknowledge the fantastic work she was doing. Everybody in this House recognises what she has brought to the fore. She lifted the carpet and exposed many serious issues, and I thank her on my behalf and on behalf of the people of Ireland for doing that.

Regarding the furore over the pensioners tax issue, which somebody termed earlier as the abuse of the elderly, the way it was done was not right in that different language should have been used in the letters that went out. I hope Revenue has learned a lesson in that regard but there should be a general notice for everybody, not just the elderly, that it is their duty to ensure they pay their tax. People who are liable for tax must make sure they pay their tax but I ask the Leader to make it known to Revenue that it should put out a general advertisement in that regard because it was the elderly today who got this type of letter but it could be single parents or another category of people tomorrow who may not understand the letters. The message should go out loud and clear that it is everybody's responsibility to ensure they pay their tax if they are liable for tax.

I compliment the Government on having those operating the computers talking to one another because that is what unearthed the problem. We have had criticism of Departments in terms of one Department not knowing what the other Department is doing. It is a positive development to have those in the Revenue and the Department of Social Protection talking to each other but we should put Revenue on notice that everybody should be informed that it is their duty to pay their tax.