Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Finance if it is proper for a chief tax inspector to threaten a client with further penalties and interest if the client decides to appeal to the Revenue Commissioners as set out in the revenue Charter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27049/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there are no circumstances in which it is appropriate for an officer of the Revenue Commissioners to 'threaten' a customer. As stated in Revenue's Customer Service Charter 'You can expect to be treated courteously, with consideration and in a non-discriminatory way in your dealings with Revenue'.

There are separate mechanisms in place for a customer to:

1. Lodge a CUSTOMER SERVICE complaint about the standard of service received in their personal contact with Revenue, whether by phone, correspondence, Fax, E-mail or as a caller at one of our Public Offices.

2. Request an INTERNAL REVIEW in relation to any aspect of the way in which their tax and duty affairs have been handled.

3. Make an APPEAL under statutory provisions.

Revenue's Customer Service Leaflet CS4, sets out the relevant procedures to be followed and is available at any Revenue office and on the Revenue website www.revenue.ie.

A taxpayer's right to seek a review of Revenue's handling of his or her tax or customs affairs, or of decisions made by a Revenue official, has always existed. This right is specifically recognised in our Customer Service charter. The taxpayer may choose to have the review undertaken locally, or by a Revenue Principal Officer appointed to carry out such reviews, or by an External Reviewer and that Principal Officer jointly.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that recourse to the internal review procedure does not interfere in any way with a person's right to take his or her case to the independent Appeal Commissioners or to the Ombudsman, where appropriate.

If the Deputy has information in relation to a specific case, he should submit the details to the Revenue Commissioners (Mr. Michael Treacy, Operations Policy and Evaluation Division — tel: 01 644 56 47; e-mail: mltreacy@revenue.ie). I have been assured that any information supplied will be fully investigated.