Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 72: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of random audits carried out by the Revenue Commissioners in each of the years 2003 to 2007 and to date in 2008; the number of such audits expected to be undertaken during 2008 as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7732/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the position in relation to the number of random audits carried out for each of the years 2003 to date is as follows:

In 2003, 274 random audits were completed.

In 2004, the traditional random audit programme was not carried out due to the change in Revenue's approach following a review of the programme. However, 25 cases selected under the programme for previous years were completed in 2004.In 2005, 410 cases were selected for random audit. Of these, 62 cases did not proceed to final audit due to the particular circumstances of the taxpayer (e.g. trading had discontinued, the taxpayer was deceased or the case had been recently audited). 347 cases have been completed, leaving 1 case still ongoing.

In 2006, 402 cases were selected for random audit and 371 of these cases have been completed, leaving 31 cases still ongoing.

In 2007, 401 cases were selected for random audit and 248 cases have been completed, leaving 153 cases are still ongoing.

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they plan to conduct a further random audits programme in 2008, which again will consist of a sample size of at least 400 cases. It is planned to commence the programme in March.