Revenue to get powers to probe people’s bank accounts, says FG

THE Government is slipping through by stealth new powers for the Revenue Commissioners to obtain detailed information about people’s bank accounts, Fine Gael warned last night.

Finance Minister Brian Cowen published the Finance Bill, which will allow for reform of the tax code, at the start of this month. Included in it are enhanced Revenue powers to tackle tax avoidance and evasion.

The proposed legislation is currently making its way through the Dáil where, in the normal process, TDs would have the opportunity to debate the measures and argue for change where felt necessary. But Fine Gael finance spokesman Richard Bruton said last night the bill was being rushed through, illustrating “once again the pathetic nature of the Dáil’s ability to scrutinise financial management.”