Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the press reports of a large number of hits which were made to social welfare computer records of a person (details supplied); if there were hits in excess of what is normal on their tax files; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26410/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that their standing procedures instruct staff that the accessing of taxpayer records should not take place except in the normal course of an officer's assigned duties and for business reasons. I am also informed that Revenue has an internal security policy that monitors any apparent irregular or excessive viewing or accessing of taxpayer records of any individuals. While there are indications that access to the records of the individual in question might be slightly higher than normal during the past two months, it is not possible to conclude without further inquiries that this access was not necessary for normal business reasons. I am informed by Revenue that they are carrying out further inquiries in this matter as part of their internal security procedures and that they will take any action that is appropriate in the light of the findings of the inquiries.