Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That leads on to corporation tax, which is also under the Department's remit, and all the trouble with the EU and America, where the President is talking about trying to bring back jobs and so on. Our corporation tax of 12.5% is under pressure. The EU has been at it this week too. The President of France wanted to change the rules and regulations and that would have an effect on us.

What is the officials' opinion on how we can protect our rate of 12.5 %? Will we be able to hold out against the big powers in Europe to protect the 12.5% corporation tax? I would be happy if everyone paid 12.5% but some pay only 3%, 4% or 5% with sweetheart deals. They can invest in education or other things to offset the money they should pay.