Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I ask the Deputy Leader to seek clarity from the Minister for Finance on the story in The Irish Times today regarding the possible threat to our corporate tax rate. Ireland is experiencing its worst economic recession in generations. For years a key element of our economic prosperity was our attractive corporation tax rate. While I understand the position in Europe is turbulent and European finance Ministers and Heads of Government are trying to devise proposals to ensure the euro and the European Union survive, which I am confident will be the case, this a small island nation and the key to future growth will not just be the development of the agriculture and tourism industries but also the retention of our corporation tax rate. Will the Deputy Leader seek clarity from the Minister for Finance on the Government's position on its retention? I do not doubt that the Government will fight tooth and nail to retain it at the current rate, as this will be the deal breaker. Irrespective of whatever else occurs, the rate that has contributed to our prosperity and will be an important element of our economic recovery must be maintained.