Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would be willing to be led by Mr. Saint-Amans's definition of the problem. For what it is worth, my definition comprises two elements. First, the macro-problem is that of multinational corporations not paying any tax to sovereign states, which means that non-multinationals and citizens are required to take up the burden. Second, the micro-problem is ensuring that taxes are collected in the jurisdiction in which the value is created. If Mr. Saint-Amans or his team could revert with thoughts on what could be done in Ireland to address both issues, it would be useful.

I also seek Mr. Saint-Amans's opinion on the OECD's taxation principle and the principle behind the common consolidated corporate tax base, CCCTB, an EU proposal that is technically flawed and politically motivated and should be resisted by this country and Europe in general. As Mr. Saint-Amans knows, the principle is that taxation would be applied according to three elements - assets, labour and sales. I have an issue with this because, if a microchip is manufactured in Ireland using intellectual property, IP, developed in Ireland and is sold in Germany, the German Government should not derive any taxation benefit bar what VAT it desires.

My understanding of the report is that the OECD's principle is for corporate tax to be applied at the location of value creation. Is it therefore the case that the OECD's proposal for the international principles of corporation tax are contrary, at least in part, to the CCCTB proposal?