Written answers

Thursday, 4 February 2021

Department of Finance

Revenue Commissioners

Photo of Seán HaugheySeán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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43. To ask the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners online website can be made more user friendly; if it can be simplified for users; if less jargon and terminology could be used on the website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6086/21]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that its website was redesigned and upgraded in 2017. The redesign process included wide consultation with taxpayers and stakeholders regarding their online experiences and requirements to ensure the new service is both user friendly and effective in meeting customer needs. For example, the writing style adopted for the website was reviewed by the National Adult Literacy Agency to ensure information is easy to find, easy to read and easy to understand.

Revenue has also confirmed that any new material being posted to the website is compared against recognised standard scales of readability to ensure against the use of ‘jargon’ to the greatest extent possible. Information that is intended for tax professionals may by its nature be more technical but is clearly distinguished on the website as being relevant to that cohort of users.

Revenue has assured me that all customer feedback regarding its website is very welcome. Any suggestions received are carefully considered so that improvements can be made on a continuous basis thereby ensuring the service is user-friendly and information is set out in plain language as far as possible.

If the Deputy has concerns over any aspect of the online services or the terminology used, he should direct them to Revenue at email address, ccru@revenue.ie. Revenue has assured me that it will follow up on any suggestions made by the Deputy where it is possible to do so.

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