Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am satisfied that Ireland's long-standing policy of military neutrality is sufficiently safeguarded by the existing constitutional provisions, such mechanisms as the protocol to the Lisbon Treaty, the various Defence Acts and our long-term policy documents. Tax rates remain within the exclusive competence of member states. All member states are free to set their own corporation tax rate, as they see fit. Ireland's 12.5% corporation tax rate has been a long-standing element of Government policy and remains the centrepiece of our competitive tax offering.

As I have said, the issue of Ireland's corporation tax rate has not been raised with me or any of my officials during our engagements with our EU partners on Brexit. I have to acknowledge that during these engagements, our position has received a very positive reception from our EU colleagues. There has been speculation about the UK's post-Brexit corporation tax plans. It should be noted that the UK's intention to reduce its current 20% corporation tax rate to 17% by 2020 was announced well in advance of the Brexit vote. I do not believe Brexit will have any impact on the UK's ability to set its own corporation tax rates, no more than it will have any impact - adverse or otherwise - on our ability to set our own corporation tax rate.

See this speech in context