Official Opening of the Revenue Museum at The Crypt, Dublin Castle
At a ceremony in Dublin Castle today (07/03/2008) Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Mr. Brian Cowen T.D., officially opened the Revenue Museum. Minister of State Noel Ahern who has responsibility for the OPW also attended the opening.
Poet and Revenue employee, Dennis O’ Driscoll recited a specially composed poem, 'At the Revenue Museum' during the opening ceremony
Speaking at the opening, Tánaiste, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D. said,
"What this museum conveys in a simple manner is that there are systems of checks in place to ensure that all the taxes and duties due to Revenue are collected by Revenue and are accounted for and transmitted to the Exchequer. It is clear from the storyboards and exhibits here that the nature of taxation, and the systems of tax administration, have progressively evolved over the past 400 years to match the changing needs of government and to meet the needs of the taxpayer customers."
Speaking at the opening Mr Frank Daly, Revenue Chairman, said:
"The crypt of the Chapel Royal here in Dublin Castle is a particularly suitable location for the Revenue Museum and I thank the OPW for making it available for this purpose. Outside the original entrance, carved images of two famous figures are facing the Stamping Building. They are Saint Patrick and King Brian Boru. Both had more than a passing interest in taxation, as you will learn as you peruse our exhibits and storyboards. Saint Patrick collected annual taxes or tributes from kings and chieftains around the country. Long after his death, his successor, the Bishop of Armagh, traversed the land to collect 'Patrick's tribute'. "
The museum will be open to the public in the near future
[Ends 07/03/08]