Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

209. To ask the Minister for Finance if urgent consideration will be given to the re-opening of the office of the Revenue Commissioners, Cranmore, Sligo (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8738/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised by Revenue that while it previously provided a traditional over-the-counter service in a number of its offices, the changing demands of taxpayers and the need to provide an efficient and cost-effective service has resulted in service channels evolving. I can confirm that the Sligo Office has been closed for a number of years and Revenue do not currently have plans to reopen it.

To ensure optimum support to taxpayers, Revenue continuously reviews its service channels and deploys its resources on an agile basis, to meet demand while also ensuring that services are available for those taxpayers in vulnerable or sensitive circumstances.

For taxpayers who, for a variety of reasons, may not have access to the online services, Revenue offers extensive support across its various telephone helplines, a full service for queries being received through the postal system and an appointments service which allows taxpayers to schedule either a virtual or in-person appointment at a time that suits them.

Virtual appointments are provided nationally which allow taxpayers, accompanied by a trusted friend or family member if they so wish, to speak to a Revenue officer via a video call. Virtual appointments can be conducted from the taxpayer’s home, removing the need for them to attend a Revenue office, and can be arranged by calling Revenue’s dedicated appointments phoneline.

Additionally, Revenue is currently rolling out a service in a number of locations, to assist taxpayers without access to an internet connection or a smart device, where a virtual appointment (Revconnect) can be facilitated in a Revenue office. It is anticipated that this service will be available in Sligo in due course.

Further details on the appointment service are available on Revenue’s website at the following link: .

To further assist customers who cannot use Revenue’s online services, an Access Supports Marker is available to customers on an “opt-in” basis. This marker will be applied where customers advise that they have a need for additional supports and assistance in managing their tax affairs, allowing Revenue’s customer service staff to quickly and easily identify customers who cannot use Revenue’s online service. The marker ensures that customers are not diverted to online channels and correspondence issues in hard-copy, paper format.

Separately, for persons with a disability or requiring additional assistance, Revenue has appointed Access Officers across its main Divisions. Access Officers are a point of contact with responsibility for providing or arranging for assistance and guidance to customers requiring additional assistance. Access Officers also assist customers by arranging services such as appointments; Irish Sign Language translations; braille documentation and other services provided by Revenue. Further details on Revenue’s Access Officer service is available at Revenue's website: .

Finally, it should be noted that Revenue provides a full range of online services for taxpayers to manage their tax affairs, to complement its extensive telephone and postal service, which for the most part removes any requirement to attend public offices. Revenue’s online communication channel, the MyEnquiries system, is available 24/7, is easy to use and is fully secure.