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REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE REVENUE COMMISSIONERS 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE REVENUE COMMISSIONERS 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS IN DUBLIN CASTLE ON THURSDAY 4 JU

I have been assured by the Revenue Commissioners that tax collection is reputed to be the second oldest profession in the world – the first being carpentry! Apparently, archaeological evidence dating from 1900 BC includes a clay tablet recording a tax for public works, and a papyrus scroll which reveals that even 4,000 years ago, taxpayers had some complaints. I suppose that being one of the oldest professions means that you attract a considerable amount of criticism. Even in the Bible, tax collectors had a downbeat image. Isn’t there the story about the tax collector who stood “off at a distance” in the Temple and bowed his head asking for God’s pity because he was “such a sinner”! And Matthew tells us about the Pharisees grumbling that Jesus was eating with “those tax collectors and other sinners” – so at least Jesus loved you! But the odium wasn’t confined to the Bible. Samual Johnson described “excise” in his Dictionary of the English Language in 1755 as “A hateful tax levied upon commodities”. And in 1776, Adam Smith said that “there is no art which one Government sooner learns of another than that of draining money from the pockets of the people”.

- And the wisdom of his words was seen here at the foundation of the State, when the priority was to establish a system of revenue collection – with the assistance of officials on loan from the UK Revenue Service. A solid system of taxation is an accepted part of modern administration – and is an integral part of modern democratic states. “Taxation without representation is tyranny” was a watchword of the American Revolution – to which some wag subsequently added “but it is a lot cheaper!”. The ability to collect taxes has been central to the functioning of this State – and ‘Revenue over the Years’ gives us a very detailed account of the major role that you have played in its development into the modern economy that it is today – reflecting the changing fortunes – the many hurdles and successes – that successive Irish Governments and Irish people have encountered over the last seventy-five years.

- That period has seen the most profound and rapid changes in our history – and it is to your great credit that you have been able to meet the challenges that these changes have meant for your work. Most other branches of the Civil Service have a different relationship with the public – being seen perhaps more as givers than as ‘takers away’. Edmund Burke said that “To tax and to please, no more than to love and to be wise, is not given to men”. But I think that statement opens other cans of worms that it might not be appropriate to go into now!

- Clearly the job of a Revenue Official requires unique abilities and characteristics – and a strong constitution. The evidence of that is here this afternoon where we have many retired Revenue officials – quite a number of whom contributed to the book. I know too of a former Commissioner – Daniel McAleese from near Lurgan – no relation, I hasten to add – who must also have had a robust constitution – because he founded the National Boxing Stadium! And I was amazed to hear of the imminent retirement of the youthful Cathal MacDomhnaill as Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners. Cathal has quite obviously worn well in his years here – particularly over the last 8 years as Chairman. The book is a tribute to his stewardship and leadership - and to that of the former Chairmen and Commissioners – some of whom are here today. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Commissioner Dermot Quigley who will shortly take over from Cathal – and who will see Revenue into the new millennium. His task will be no less daunting in the changing circumstances that we will face.

- The success of any organisation depends on the people who work in it. The Revenue Commissioners started with a staff of around seventeen hundred people – with a net Revenue yield of nearly twenty-five million pounds in 1923-24 – up to the present time – where you have over six thousand staff working to realise a gross target of £19 billion for this year. The success of the Revenue service would not have been possible without the many dedicated and talented people throughout its many branches – who over the years have performed their task with enthusiasm and commitment. The success of modern Ireland would not have been possible without an efficient and trusted Revenue collection agency. Our confident “can-do” culture is also part of your success story.

- Looking at the book – which very cleverly charts - in pictures and text – the evolution of Revenue and setting the developments in their World and national historical contexts – you can get a very good appreciation of the way taxation and the collection of taxation has changed. Most recently - in the context of the Strategic Management Initiative – the focus of Revenue is aimed at achieving your objective of maintaining “. . public confidence . . . through efficient and customer oriented operation” – through consultation, procedure simplification, open communication and review and appeal procedures. This book is another dimension to that process of maintaining confidence – and will be an enjoyable read for anybody interested in public administration in Ireland.

- In launching the “75th Commemorative Book” – I want to congratulate you on your achievements and service to this State since its foundation – and to wish you well as continue to work and adapt to the changing fortunes and circumstances that the future holds. And getting back to the Bible - which tells us that “the meek shall inherit the earth” – I suppose it’s worth reminding them that they will have very little left after paying inheritance, capital gains and all the other taxes!