Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

My final question relates to the transposition of this agreement. I understand that pillar 1 will be dealt with domestically but pillar 2 is going to be transposed through the use of a directive at EU level. I support this agreement but I have serious concerns about how we transpose it. For the first time, this would allow the EU the right to set the effective rate of tax by taking this agreement and transposing it in the form of a directive. I do not think that should happen. We should bring this agreement into international law in the same way many countries throughout the world will, which is in domestic legislation. What are the Minister's thoughts on that? We have had so much discussion about vetoes and tax issues for so many years.

What security do we have if the Minister gives up Ireland's veto on this issue - he has a veto on this matter - to allow for the legislation to be passed? He could argue what difference does it make if this is done by way of a European directive or domestic legislation as we will do the same thing in any event, but it is the principle of the matter. For the first time, the European Union will bring forward a directive that directly impacts on our tax issues. I am concerned we have not teased that out to any great extent. What are the chances it could do that again? That is a precedent that could be set. I do not understand why we do not transpose pillar 2 ourselves, like other countries throughout the world.