The majority of the country's business filings are now dealt with online, according to the tax authorities, but the ROS also provides twenty-four hour access for individual taxpayers, who are increasingly choosing to file online as well.

Speaking about the figures earlier this week, Revenue Commissioners chief, Dermot Quigley, observed that: 'The significant level of payments received through ROS displays the high level of confidence that Irish businesses have in conducting their business and financial transactions with us via the internet.'

Earlier this month, the ROS was awarded an eGovernment Label award by the European Commission in recognition of the fact that it operates amongst the 'best practices' of e-government in Europe.