Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to corporate taxation, this morning I heard Barry O'Leary of the IDA on the radio explaining clearly there are no special tax rates in this country for any individual. Tax rates are set on a statutory basis and the Revenue Commissioners follow these guidelines. Our corporation tax rate is 12.5% and we have agreements with 69 countries on taxation measures. Everybody must be careful about soundbites in this area because it is a serious situation. Apple employs 3,500 people in Cork and many other companies also have large employment bases here. It is a complex issue and a soundbite will not provide an answer. From having also heard the Minister, Deputy Bruton, on the radio, it is clear there are no special tax rates for any individual company or corporation in the country and our corporation tax rate is 12.5%. This is the message we should get out there clearly. Individuals and companies are taxed on income and it depends on what the amount of income is. Corporation tax is applied to a certain amount of income. There may be intellectual property based overseas, and this is a different issue for different companies.

The House should send the clear message that there are no special tax rates.