Revenue: Dozens of contact numbers but none for asking questions

The Revenue Commissioners have just published their annual report for 2012 and, once again, there is no mention of how many tax evaders ended up in jail.

So, once again, I phoned to ask for the information. I was told, once again, that I would have to put my request in writing.

The email address provided by Revenue was rejected as non-existent so I returned to Revenue’s website to search for a telephone number or email address, any telephone number or any email address that might put me in contact with a human who might actually answer my question or, Zeus willing, provide me with a working email address.

After many failed attempts I called the Director General’s office.

Hello, could you give me a number or email address to which I could direct some questions regarding your recently published annual report?

Official: I’m not sure, I’ve never heard of anyone asking questions about our annual report.

I was given an email address for the Press Office but it doesn’t work, could you give me the telephone number for the Press Office?

Official: The Press Office doesn’t have a telephone number, just an email. Hang on and I’ll check with my supervisor.

My supervisor contacted the secretariat and they don’t know as of yet who you can contact in relation to the annual report.

Can I take your name and number and we’ll get back to you as soon as we have the information.