Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I suspect, contrary to the supposition of earlier speakers in this debate, that those who have heretofore qualified under the remittance basis of taxation are not all non-nationals. The reality is that many are Irish citizens who have been able to configure their arrangements in such a way as to benefit under this arrangement. I welcome this measure because it is clearly geared towards addressing a serious situation. I acknowledge the Taoiseach's point that these are estimates. We must wait and see. The intent is good, however, and there should be a broad welcome for it.

I ask for clarification on one point in the short briefing prepared by the Department of Finance for this debate. The first paragraph states the remittance basis of income taxation "applies at present to individuals resident here who are either not domiciled or not ordinarily resident in the State" and provides that such individuals are "liable to Irish income tax only on that portion of their income arising outside the State or the United Kingdom that is remitted here". Will the Taoiseach clarify that income apart from the remittance approach to payment that is earned here is fully taxable? The wording might suggest otherwise.

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