Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Cullinane - that does not happen often - on taxation. The form of taxation is irrelevant. If tax is owed, it should be paid. This includes the household charge, which I put directly to the Senator. The role of the Revenue Commissioners is to collect taxes. They have incredibly strong powers. If there is fault, it lies with the Legislature for allowing taxation lawyers in Ireland and elsewhere to facilitate tax avoidance schemes. The IRS in the US is also powerful. Although some people claim that nothing is being done, a great deal is being done.

I agree with Senator Barrett about it being a good day, in that Glanbia is the first company to appoint a woman, Ms Siobhan Talbot, to one of the country's most senior executive roles in business.