Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the whole debate we need to be mindful that we are an island. We are on the playing field with countries like France. We hear people from such places shouting one thing out of their mouths on a given day to the effect that they want harmonisation, but they are the same people who actually give lower tax rates to certain entities. Ireland has to fight for business because we are on the periphery of Europe.

Whatever is good for the goose is good for the gander, whether an Irish company or a multinational. We should ensure that we treat both types the same because we have to look after Irish companies as well.

Multinational companies are important to this country; there is no doubt about that. We must ensure that we bring jobs in. We need to ensure that the striving by Europe to get rid of our 12.5% rate is not touched. Ultimately, that is the most important point of all. We need to ensure we protect that. Whatever the big guns say abroad in Europe, we should not take it on board or listen to them. There should be a fair rate for everyone in the country in the line of corporation tax - I agree with that. Every business should be treated the same, whether a small business in the west, south or north. Such businesses should have the same tax incentives as anyone else.

Ireland has to go out and fight for business. We are against some of the countries in the middle of Europe. We are punching above our weight, in fairness. We need to keep punching above our weight.

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