Written answers

Tuesday, 5 July 2016

Department of Finance

Departmental Offices

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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146. To ask the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners' office in Athlone is due to close on a permanent basis from 5 July 2016; if so, the contingency plans in place to deal with the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19631/16]

Photo of Michael NoonanMichael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that there are no plans to close the Revenue Athlone office to the public on a permanent basis from today. A dedicated telephone line for the purposes of making appointments for attendance at the Athlone Revenue office is now in operation. This facilitates appointments on a basis agreed with the taxpayer, at a time that suits them, in each instance.

The deployment of resources to its compliance and customer service programmes is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am advised by Revenue that they offer a range of service channels which are adapted to meet the changing demands of taxpayers. Over the last number of years the provision of high quality self-service, electronic and telephone service channels makes it easier for taxpayers to do their business efficiently, quickly and in the most cost effective way possible. This is evidenced by the fact that between 2011 and 2015 there was a 48% reduction in 'walk in' callers to the Athlone Revenue Office.

Revenue have advised me that the appointments service in the Athlone Office will be subject to ongoing monitoring and review. Taxpayers will continue to be provided with a flexible and responsive service to meet demand.

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