Social networks like Twitter and Facebook are now being used to tackle tax cheats. The Finance Minister says it is part of the armoury being used by Revenue.

He has told the Oireachtas Finance Committee that Revenue has powers to gather information against those not paying what they owe.

At the same event, the Minister warned banks to move to address the arrears crisis for homeowners "in a definitive way".

His comments come after the coalition published recommendations on dealing with repossessions.

The expert group says banks and the courts service needs to change practices.

Minister Noonan says the measures are in place from government and now banks must do deals with more people than they had at the end of November last year.