Mr. Alain Lamassoure:

If I may comment, we were told, and it was confirmed earlier this morning by the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy D'Arcy, that in the working group set up by the Council of Ministers to work on this issue, the Irish members never take the floor. They do not participate. They attend to express their opposition to the principle of the reform but they do not speak. This is a big mistake.

For example, if the Irish representative argued that as has just been done, in the case of Ireland, we have three different rates, it is particularly interesting for us. It is a success. In the European system the possibility of having several rates could be maintained. The discussion will be open and in the end, we will end up with different rates as is the case with VAT. Forty years ago, we decided to harmonise the tax base but we have different tax rates and even in respect of an allocation of goods and services between the tax rates, we can differ according to the member states. It is personal opinion but it would be in the interest of Ireland even if the Irish authorities and the Irish Parliament are reluctant to take part in it. I am sure that being far better than most of us, the Irish influence could be very great. In the end, they will judge if it deserves-----