John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Coffey for his public service. Both the Chairman and I served on South Dublin County Council for several years. Mr. Coffey has discussed the macro or national figures. If I am right – the Chairman can confirm this - a total of ten companies are responsible for 90% of the commercial rate base of South Dublin County Council. Moreover, south Dublin is the location of the headquarters of Microsoft, Pfizer and such companies. As we get down to the nitty-gritty of other revenues, it seems there is substantial reliance on them. Will Mr. Coffey comment on that?

Mr. Coffey mentioned that revenue arising from this source may not be sustainable in the long term. Will he explain why not? We hear, for example, that Amazon wants to significantly increase its footprint in the country and but for planning anomalies, Apple would have significantly increased its footprint in the country. There is no indication of companies withdrawing.

A sizable number of these companies are on technology and pharmaceutical sides. If one leave out those sectors, what other sectors in the top 100 are most volatile? Do we have a sense that indigenous companies are included? I have in mind companies such as CRH and Ryanair. I am unsure whether the Ryanair headquarters is here for tax purposes. Are any indigenous companies in the top 100?