Revenue cuts costs by €95m

Madam, – The chairman of the Revenue Commissioners Josephine Feehily states at the launch of its 2010 annual report that “This…

Madam, – The chairman of the Revenue Commissioners Josephine Feehily states at the launch of its 2010 annual report that “This year it is costing us nearly 20 per cent less than it did three years ago to run Revenue”, representing a reduction of almost €95 million (Business, April 21st). As is well known, Revenue has again recently undergone a major restructuring, has regularly adapted to significant legislative changes and in doing so has become very customer-orientated.

Is it fair then that Revenue staff should be lumped in unthinkingly with others in the constant scrutiny and criticism of those working in the public sector?

I have to disclose that as a former employee of Revenue, I have a personal interest, but on the other hand, as a member of one of the high-level designs teams, I am aware of the detailed review that preceded the last restructuring in 2003, and it is heartening to learn that Revenue was early in lodging its proposals for savings under the Croke Park agreement. – Yours, etc,

TONY Mac CARTHAIGH,

Beech Park Avenue,

Dublin 18.