Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This issue was the subject of an earlier amendment the Deputy sought to table earlier. The Deputy will be aware, because we have previously discussed this issue, that the ability to carry losses forward is a feature of our tax code. In recognition of the quantity of losses that our banks are carrying forward I am committed to the retention of the bank levy. It provides me with an alternative mechanism to generate needed tax income from the banks in recognition of the support made available to them by the Irish taxpayer. I do not have any plans, including by way of amendment of this Bill, to change that provision.