Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is the case. Deputy Sherlock understands that many pharmaceutical companies are on patent incomes that decline and do not rise in value. Much of what we have on the basis of intellectual properties here is not something on which Revenue would make an assertion of a planned revenue stream that we would use and dispose of in other areas. What we are doing here is correct. There will be opportunities for it to be discussed as the Finance Bill passes through the House but it would be highly imprudent for us not to proceed with implementing this measure by way of financial resolution and leave ourselves exposed to people removing assets in a way that would be unfair.

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