Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance) | Oireachtas source

Is the Government strongly considering changing its legislative approach to multinational corporations in light of the amazingly embarrassing events of this week - the release of fake GDP figures - in respect of which this State must now pay €280 million to the EU? This arises from the fact that native Irish capitalism is so weak that it has to prostrate itself in front of multinational corporations and allow them to pay virtually nothing in this State. The Government boasts that €1.5 million is being given to the north inner city. Meanwhile, we have to hand over €280 million for no other reason than to spare the blushes of this Government. We are constantly threatened with fines by Europe with regard to public housing initiatives and water charges. We have now been fined by Europe because of a fake growth rate of 26% arising from the slavish attitude of this State to multinationals. It allows them to locate brass-plate operations in the State, showing fake profits. The Government ought to be ashamed.

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