Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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43. To ask the Minister for Finance the steps being taken to ensure that the European Commission investigation into aspects of Ireland’s corporation tax regime is concluded in a timely manner and in a way that does not damage Ireland’s economic interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16169/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Competition Directorate of the European Commission is currently conducting a review of corporate tax ruling procedures in various EU Member States in order to assess such practices under EU State Aid rules.

What is involved at this stage is a preliminary gathering and examination of information on the part of the Commission for the purposes of getting an overview of the different tax ruling procedures in various Member States.

Ireland is fully co-operating with the Commission in this exercise. The Commission has requested information on Revenue's administrative practice in relation to the provision of advance opinions on the application of tax rules to business transactions and activities, as well as details of opinions provided to companies under this practice. Revenue has provided the information sought by the Commission as required under EU law and this has been done in a timely manner.

Full co-operation with this enquiry is required under EU law and the Deputy will have noted the issuing of two information injunctions by the Commission to a Member State which the Commission considers has not yet co-operated fully with its requests for information.