Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise an issue I raised a number of weeks ago, namely, the pressure being applied in an unfair and unreasonable manner on Ireland’s corporation tax structures. The final OECD base erosion and profit shifting, BEPS, report is due in September 2015, 11 months from now, and there is a concerted effort internationally between the G20, the OECD and, in the past week, the British Prime Minister. It is important not just to build on the number of jobs being created now but to protect existing jobs. As part of this it would be very helpful if we had a debate on the matter to put some of the facts on the table so people can hear what the position is. We are told the State is doing something illegal, but it is not. Although taxation laws are being met properly to the requirements of several investigations, on every occasion we seem to be the poster boys to be kicked around for some international practices happening within countries.

The “double Irish” is a US taxation issue that can be resolved in the US if it changes its tax code, not something that can be resolved here. The US can deal with the matter, but, for whatever reason, it chooses not to. It is very unfair and unreasonable that Ireland is kicked around every time. It is very important we take the opportunity to have a debate in the Seanad to put the full facts out there so people can hear what is happening. It would also be a major benefit for a number of companies here which are very concerned that there may be movement before September 2015.

If this can be facilitated, it will be the biggest issue we will deal with between now and the budget.