Written answers

Tuesday, 18 October 2005

Department of Finance

Consultancy Contracts

9:00 pm

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 382: To ask the Minister for Finance the reason consultants were engaged to review the tax reliefs available to high earners in view of the considerable amount of expertise available in relation to such matters in the Revenue Commissioners and in his Department; and if he examined the option of requesting the Revenue Commissioners to provide the information sought and undertake the consultancy process or to have the work carried out in-house by his own officials. [29136/05]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The reasons for the engagement of consultants were set out in some detail in the last budget. The consultants appointed have worked in close co-operation with special in-house project management teams set up for this purpose as required under the contracts. As indicated already in reply to other questions on this issue, my Department and Revenue are also carrying out an examination on a series of other reliefs within Civil Service resources. Given the scale, extent, range and nature of the tax reliefs being surveyed, and the tight time limits involved, the use of consultants as an adjunct to the resources of my Department and Revenue is justified in the circumstances.

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners have been asked to co-operate with the consultancy commissioned by him, 2005 review of tax reliefs and high earners; the amount of work carried out by the Revenue Commissioners on behalf of the consultancy project; and the hours worked and the cost of such work done by the Revenue Commissioners and his own Department for the purposes of the consultancy. [29137/05]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The consultants appointed by me have received full co-operation from the Revenue Commissioners and my Department. This involvement has largely covered provision of support data and overall project management. The work carried out by my Department and Revenue in this case can be regarded as within the normal range of duties and functions carried out by them in discharging their responsibilities. Thus, no separate reckoning is available as sought by the Deputy.

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