Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Finance the progress made by his Department and the Revenue Commissioners in their consideration of the recommendations of the Revenue Powers Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29850/04]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will know, my predecessor established the Revenue Powers Group, under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Frank Murphy, to examine Revenue's main statutory powers and report on changes needed. The group's report was published on 4 February 2004 and the Minister indicated at that time that he wished to allow a period for debate and public reflection on the many and varied issues dealt with in the report and its recommendations.

Interested parties have contacted my Department and a small number of submissions have been made in this regard. I also understand the Law Reform Commission's final report on the question of a fiscal prosecutor and Revenue court is due shortly and is likely to treat many of the issues. My Department is also discussing relevant issues with other Departments. The group's recommendations and all the views received on them to date are under examination.