Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Finance the details of his most recent discussions with the European Commission in relation to the establishment of a common European business tax base; his position in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13987/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, a technical working group, chaired by the EU Commission, is working towards the development of a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB). Ireland, along with a number of other Member States, opposes the idea of creating common rules for the calculation of company profits for both principled and practical reasons. That said we are participating in the meetings of the technical working group strictly on a without prejudice basis. In this regard, my officials are in regular contact with the European Commission on its work on a common consolidated corporate tax base.

The Deputy should be aware that a Proposal from the Commission on the CCCTB is not anticipated until 2008 and that no policy decisions have been taken on the project at the level of the Council of Ministers.