Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ireland's corporation tax rate of 12.5% has long been a cornerstone of the attraction of investment to this country. Taxation matters are for each individual country. It is not for me to change the taxation rate applied by any other country. One of the difficulties that has arisen from a European point of view is that corporation tax rates range over a number of rates. They are dependent on the criteria set down for particular industries and sectors and the location of such industries in different countries. Some countries have a rate of corporation tax which can be varied, depending on the location of the industry or the sector in which the industry is represented. In the case of Ireland, the rate is 12.5% and applies across the board.

As I said to Deputy Joe Higgins, these matters will be referred to in the discussions on free trade between the European Union and the United States covering all products and issues. I do not agree with the Deputy that it is blatant nonsense. Our rate has been fixed; it is unchanged and will not be changed, despite some recommendations to the contrary.

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