Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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205. To ask the Minister for Finance following the publication of the 2012 annual report by the Revenue Commissioners if he will provide his assessment of the performance of the Revenue in 2012, and particularly if there are issues which are of concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20290/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The 90th Annual Report of the Revenue Commissioners, covering the year 2012, provides a very comprehensive account of Revenue’s performance across a range of key strategic and business programmes and reflects the progress of the organisation in the implementation of its Statement of Strategy. The Report reflects the impact and importance of key actions and activities by Revenue in securing the critically important tax receipts for the Exchequer, in maintaining and building on high levels of timely compliance, in responding to non compliance through its range of audit and compliance intervention programmes, in addressing shadow economy activity and serious fraud and criminality in relation, for example, to tobacco smuggling, fuel laundering and illicit drugs importation. The Report also reflects excellent work done by Revenue in reducing the administrative burden on businesses saving over €85 million per year for businesses and in reducing its own administrative costs.

In the context of Revenue's broad and multifaceted strategic and operational role, I am concerned, inter alia, with collection of the tax that is due to the State but in a way that recognises the challenge for business in meeting their on-going tax compliance and payment obligations, given the difficult environment for business and cashflow constraints at present, the impact on compliant businesses and tax receipts of those who engage in tax evasion and avoidance and the impact of smuggling and associated illegal activity. I am also concerned that Ireland's economic and financial development is supported by a tax and customs regime that supports enterprise and business and contributes to our economic recovery and social development and ultimately helps restore the sustainability of the public finances. Revenue’s work and performance is, therefore, of considerable significance and importance. I acknowledge the innovative and professional approach by Revenue to discharging its role. I reiterate my strong personal support and that of the Government for the work of Revenue and commend them for the performance and results delivered in 2012.