Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Finance the circumstances in the matter of the dispute between the Revenue Commissioners and a person (details supplied) culminating in the seizure of product and subsequent losses to the person's firm; the full extent of grievance to the offended party outstanding; the extent of compensation paid or outstanding; if it is intended to address the recovery issues; the action which will be taken to resolve such issues; the reason there was a delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22307/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the matter referred to by the Deputy is in dispute between the person in question and the Commissioners. The dispute is ongoing and there is potential for litigation. The matter has also been examined by the Ombudsman's Office. In these circumstances, the Commissioners advise me that they feel themselves constrained in replying in detail to the Deputy.

By way of general remarks, the Revenue Commissioners have advised me that:

· Full and comprehensive material addressing the matters raised in the Deputy's questions has already been supplied to the person in question and a reply to his further correspondence will issue shortly.

· The rationale and analysis underpinning Revenue's position has also been supplied to him, including a report from an external expert.

· The Commissioners approached this case in good faith, with a view to achieving a negotiated settlement, but fundamental differences between the parties remain.

· Given the complexities of the case, and its responsibilities for public funds, Revenue does not consider that there was unreasonable delay in its dealings with the person in question.