Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I have no interest in playing politics as usual with Deputy Gilmore in regard to taking his confidence motion. He can take it in his own time. Everybody knows it will be defeated. We have work to do and are going to get on with it.

On the corporation tax rate, President Sarkozy's statement was responded to last Friday by the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Dick Roche. In the consolidated common tax proposals, which are at the usual stage of preparation in the Commission, there is no suggestion of a reduction in the rates of corporation tax, rather, it is about consolidating the base. In the treaty protection negotiated by this and previous Governments where unanimity is required for changes in taxation we stated that would be the case. It is open for the Commission, which has the right of initiative, to introduce any proposal it wishes but President Barroso and Commissioner Rehn have confirmed that the proposals do not refer to corporation tax rates.

It is the first time in four months that Deputy Gilmore has raised the question of unemployment because for the four months he did not raise it unemployment reduced. There are 30,000 to fewer people out of work this month-----

(Interruptions).

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