INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT (Staff shortage and complaints)

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for Finance (a) whether the Collection Division of the Inland Revenue Department is under-staffed; and (b) if he will give the number of complaints received both by telephone and letters in relation to this Division from 1988 up to the latest available date.

Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has been experiencing some staff shortages in recent years. This is a problem which is not just peculiar to the Department but is one encountered by all major employers in the public and private sectors who have to cope with the tight labour market brought about by the strong economic growth in Singapore. The Collection Division of the Inland Revenaue Department, in particular, has been operating with about 15% of its posts remaining vacant over the last two years. To cope with an increasing workload despite the staff shortage, the Inland Revenue Department has extensively computerised its operations and simplified work procedures. The staff shortage is expected to ease as a result of the recent revision of salaries and promotion guidelines for the Department. This will help IRD to retain experienced staff who have marketable skills widely demanded by the booming financial sector.