Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raised the question with the Department of Finance of the effect of an increase in corporation tax from 12.5% to 15% in a year. The answer was complicated but the figure given was approaching €700 million. I believe, and I hope the Minister agrees, that we should start considering this. International tax planning is a separate consideration but there is a corporation profit space in this country that must be addressed. Perhaps the rate could run for ten years. I remember when the corporation tax rate was 35% and there was export sales relief for companies with exports. A rate of 15%, if it could raise €700 million, is worthy of consideration and we should look into it.

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