Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 258: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of representations from TDs that the Revenue Commissioners have received for each of the years, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the number of representations received by the Revenue Commissioners from himself for each of these years; the number of his representations that resulted in a payment being made to the person on whose behalf the representation was made for each of these years; the total sum paid out as a result of the representations from him for each of the years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14873/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that 816 representations were received from TDs in 2005 and 854 in 2006. Figures for 2007 are not available in the time available and will be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible. (The figures for each year may not include a small number of representations which would have been made on Human Resource matters related to Revenue staff). Revenue figures indicate that they received 130 representations from me in 2005, 94 in 2006 and 53 to date in 2007.

Political representations are a longstanding feature of a parliamentary democracy and both Revenue and the members of the Oireachtas have traditionally operated on a strict understanding of the constraints within which such representations must function. While members of the Oireachtas, including members of the Government, reserve the right to articulate a constituent's concerns, it is accepted that the Revenue Commissioners must remain steadfastly independent in their interpretation and application of the law as enacted.

I assure the Deputy, and the Revenue Commissioners confirm, that payments are not made as a result of such representations being made by me or anyone else. Where a payment is made by Revenue, it is always on the basis of entitlement to the payment and a valid claim having been made or requisite information having been provided.

The Revenue Commissioners have indicated that they are satisfied that all such representations are dealt with in a professional manner, at an appropriate level in their offices.