Speech by Frank Daly, Chairman, Revenue Commissioners at the launch of Revenue Statement of Strategy 2008-2010, 15 February 2008
Tánaiste, Minister of State, Distinguished guests and colleagues
Introduction
First of all I wish to thank the Tánaiste and Minister of State for taking time to be with us today at an event which has two important dimensions – the launch of our Statement of Strategy and the announcement of a further investment in the maritime and technology resources that will help keep illegal drugs and other contraband out of Ireland.
I also thank our guests here today – you represent those with whom we do business in administering the tax and customs systems and those with whom we work in a very effective spirit of cooperation as part of the National Drugs Strategy.
Many of you, or the bodies you represent, gave us valuable input as part of the consultative process we engaged in while we were drawing up the Statement of Strategy. I hope you will be able to recognise that input somewhere in the Statement – bear in mind though that sometimes civil servants write things in a special code……….
I also thank the staff throughout Revenue for their views and ideas which have also contributed so much to the content of this Statement.
Challenges ahead
The Tánaiste has already referred to the broad thrust of our Strategy Statement, to the challenges ahead and to the contribution that he quite rightly expects from Revenue in the years ahead.
The challenges are real and they straddle all areas of our operations:
- customer service – as we deal with more and more customers, we will aim to provide more customised service delivery; a wide choice of service channels, simplified processes and procedures; a reduced regulatory burden on business and personal taxpayers
- dealing with evasion and avoidance – we will use risk based approaches which focus on the non compliant and by and large leave the compliant taxpayer alone; continue to build the number of prosecutions for serious evasion; be assertive and dynamic in tackling aggressive tax avoidance – we aim to bring compliance, and therefore equity in tax administration, to new heights.
An overarching objective, as the Tánaiste has already mentioned, is for Revenue to make a real contribution to competitiveness in the Irish economy. Our bottom line as always is revenue collection and that bottom line is what keeps government going - so be assured Tanaiste that we will never lose sight of it.
However the way in which we deliver that bottom line can also deliver a greater dividend and, through our input at national and international levels, facilitate business growth and investment – inward and indigenous – for the benefit of all (including indeed that same bottom line).
Tackling drugs – investing in the Customs Service
Both the Tánaiste and Minister of State have already referred to the scourge of drug abuse and Government determination to deal with it within the context of the National Drugs Strategy. We have clear role within that strategy working with our colleagues in the Gardai and the Naval service in particular. The announcement today of our intention to purchase a second Customs Cutter and a second Scanner will better equip our Customs Service in their very effective work in combating drugs and contraband smuggling into this country and add to their already considerable success rate.
In announcing these investments today as part of the launch of our Statement of Strategy we are sending the strongest possible signal that this is an area of long term strategic interest to Revenue and that we intend to deliver.
Conclusion
Effective tax and customs administration is at the core of Ireland's fiscal, social and economic foundations. Public confidence in Revenue is therefore vital and we value a reputation as a "can do" organisation that is fair and ethical and delivers through innovation.
We intend to enhance that reputation over the lifetime of this Statement Of Strategy – one which will take us to the end of the first decade of this new Millennium.
Thank you.