Dáil debates
Tuesday, 3 December 2019
Personal Statement by Member
10:05 pm
Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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I have been a Member of this House for 33 years and I have never heard such slanderous, vicious, malicious, vindictive and false allegations as have been made against me here tonight. I want to put on the record of this House that I am not a convicted tax cheat and I am not a convicted tax dodger. In fact, when I was brought to court, the main charges were withdrawn and the only mark against my reputation in relation to taxation was that in 2006 my company filed an incorrect corporation tax return. Let me clarify that it was incorrect because we had overpaid tax. In fact, the judge went on to comment to the effect that I was a very conscientious taxpayer and I would like the comments that were made in this House tonight to be withdrawn.
Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Paul Murphy has an opportunity, not to make a statement-----
Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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I will not be withdrawing the remarks.
Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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-----but to withdraw his comments if he wishes.
Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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No. Deputy Lowry also failed to keep proper sets of accounts and he was disqualified as a director. He is a convicted tax cheat.
Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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He was found guilty of tax corruption as well.