Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

Some of the Opposition could learn from their approach.

During this debate, Opposition Members raised the issue of the common consolidated corporate tax base, CCCTB. The Government has been clear, in that we will protect our right to set our own corporate taxation rate. This echoes what I stated in the European Parliament in November last year, namely, that we would never accept any diktat in this regard. The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have echoed this view repeatedly.

We need to emerge from this weekend's meeting with credible decisions if we are to demonstrate quickly our determination to protect our currency, to support member states that are working towards economic recovery and to introduce strong rules to ensure fiscal discipline. We should not be afraid of strong and fair rules. We should shape and embrace them. Was it not the laissez-faire regulatory process and easy access to money engulfed by the ridiculous stoking of the property market by Fianna Fáil and its partners that got us to where we are today?

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