asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the long delay on the part of the Revenue Commissioners in sending out amended tax certificates and of the consequent hardship being caused to workers who have house and bridging loans (details supplied); if he is further aware of public dissatisfaction arising from the difficulties in trying to get in touch with the tax office due to the telephone line being permanently engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

From the information supplied by the Deputy, it has not been possible to identify the individual cases to which he is referring but I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there have been delays in issuing amended certificates of tax-free allowances where the circumstances ot taxpayers have changed and where claims for additional allowances have been made.

These delays have been due to the fact that for the past 18 months there has been unprecedented pressure on tax offices arising from personal and telephone calls and inquiries through the post. While there has been a certain amount of delay in some cases the Revenue Commissioners are keeping the whole matter under review and are taking all possible steps to improve the position.