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

The Christian Aid report shows that the number of companies that have been registered in Malta since the measures I brought in took effect is small. Was I aware of this behaviour? No, I was not. Will the Revenue Commissioners be informing me of the detail of the affairs of any one taxpayer? No, they will not. They will advise me on the generality of any matter. As to me laying out on the floor of the Dáil what I am planning to do to deal with any potential concerns regarding tax avoidance, that would only create the opportunities for those measures to be avoided. I am not going to, nor would I ever, lay out in detail any anti-avoidance measures I am going to put in place for the simple reason that if one lays out that detail and gives enough notice of what is going to happen, it creates the very kinds of opportunities that the Deputies appear to be united in wanting to prevent companies taking advantage of. I was not aware of this matter and I will of course, through the Revenue Commissioners, receive advice on the generality of it and whether any action is needed. However, I am not going to communicate any action that I may or may not take because I want it to be effective if I deem that action is needed.

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