People in Ireland now "think twice" about tax evasion due to the successful pursuit of cases by the Revenue Commissioners, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Brian Cowen said today.
Mr Cowen was speaking to mark the publication today of Revenue's Statement of Strategy for 2008-2010.
He said there had been a "sea change" in the attitude of Irish people to tax evasion and avoidance over the past few years.
"Revenue's successful challenge of systematic breaches of the tax code, typified by the Bogus Non-Resident and Offshore Assets programmes, has made people think twice about engaging in this type of activity.
"Increased powers, and the greater use of technology to ensure that resources are deployed to the areas of greatest risk, have reinforced this message," he said.
Mr Cowen said the level of compliance had been achieved against the background of a booming economy involving "exponential growth in the number, diversity and complexity of Revenue's customer base".
But he warned the forecast slowdown in the economic environment in the next three years would present "a real challenge" to Revenue in terms of keeping arrears low and the payment of taxes high.
"It will also make Revenue's role in facilitating business growth including inward investment even more vital," he said.
Mr Cowen also noted that Revenue's Customs Service seized some €140 million worth of drugs last year.
He said Revenue's mission to serve the community is "nowhere more evident than in its role in protecting society from drugs smuggling and the illegal importation of contraband and counterfeit goods".