Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will internally review the efficiency of collections by Revenue; if the fees charged by bailiffs represent value for money for taxpayers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38478/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am satisfied that Revenue undertakes the task of securing the collection of the critical taxes and duties payable to the State in an efficient and cost effective manner. I am assured that Revenue management regularly carries out internal reviews of its collection systems to ensure maximum efficiency. And each year the Comptroller and Auditor General examines elements of the tax collection systems and of Revenue's performance in this area. I have no plans for a separate review of the efficiency of Revenue's collections processes at this time. Sheriff's fees and expenses including those relating to bailiffs are set out in the Sheriff's Fees and Expenses Order, (S.I. 644 of 2005). The current Order came into operation on 1 November 2005. The fees were set by the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

I am satisfied that the fees reflect the principle that the costs of enforcement are carried by the non compliant individuals and businesses where Revenue is forced to take enforcement action in order to recover the taxes and duties due to the Exchequer.