Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As for recommendations from the Department of Finance, different options were outlined to me with regard to every budget day choice that I had to make. The pros and cons of different options were outlined and it was left to me to make the choice and that is what I have done. That is what I am stating in the Dáil here this afternoon.

Several questions were put to me that I have not answered to date. Deputy McGrath just asked how long we believe it will take before existing allowances are fully exhausted or used. That depends on how the lifetime of the asset is currently being accounted for by companies.

We believe that, across a five-year to ten-year period, we will see all of the relevant allowances for these kinds of assets fully drawn down.

In regard to the Deputy's question about the risks that are outlined by Mr. Coffey, I acknowledge those risks are there but I believe they are outweighed by Ireland getting to a point where we can have the co-location of IP assets and economic activity about further investment and jobs located here. I believe that is a long-term, valuable opportunity for Ireland in a quickly changing world.

In regard to the question on yield, I estimate the costing is €5 million for every €150 million that is located here in Ireland. To look at the quantity of movement in Ireland in 2016 and on the available figures for 2017, I believe that €150 million figure will be achievable. On the question on the cost of EU contributions, the figure is approximately €200 million.

See this speech in context