Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know the deadline has been slightly extended. I was checking the latest update on RTÉ and it stated that the system was back online at 15.48 p.m. I heard from that accountant just before I came into the Chamber, however, that the system had not yet come back online. The Revenue is acknowledged by most people as being one of the most efficient parts of the public service and I give much credit to the organisation. The system is under more strain this time of the year, though, because so many people are trying to file their returns online. The accountant I spoke to told me that he has about 100 returns to populate.

The system was down and I ask that the Revenue keep track of that issue and ensure there is sufficient time for people to complete their returns. Those people are honestly trying to put in their returns but the system has not been available. I acknowledge that the extra time allocated, to 6 p.m. tomorrow, is sufficient in that more time has been given than has been lost. I ask, however, that the Revenue be understanding as people are trying to submit forms and not introduce the penalties just yet. If people are justifiably liable for not making their returns, so be it, and the rigours of the law should come down on them. When people are trying to make submissions in good faith, however, perhaps the Revenue could just keep an eye on this aspect of the system. The Revenue is an excellent organisation, but I was asked to raise this matter today on the Order of Business and I agreed.