Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. When all other impositions were made on society, we protected the 12.5% corporation tax rate. I am sceptical of those who continually come back for more. These are deserving boys who are extremely rich individuals with a low tax liability. I appreciate the Minister of State's point that the purpose is to develop the country. However, the Government tends to dish out chunks of the tax base without analysis. As stated during the earlier discussion, there is a need for a cost benefit analysis of all these measures, including how much they are costing and if jobs are being generated, in particular at a time when the Government is making cuts to the numbers of special needs assistants, respite care services and putting a tax on small houses and so on. We give tax breaks to rich people willy nilly.

The difference between Ireland and other countries is that some of them are not bankrupt. I am not too sure I would support this measdure if we had a surplus in the Exchequer. We must assess our priorities. However, I thank the Minister of State for his response.