Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Finance if his support for Christine Lagarde's candidacy as head of the IMF was conditional on Ireland's corporation tax being left untouched. [14163/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The question of Ireland's corporation tax rate is an entirely separate matter to the appointment of a new head of the IMF. The Government's position on our corporation tax strategy is unambiguous and it is not at risk. The programme for Government clearly states that the Government will 'keep the corporate tax rate at 12.5%' and that commitment is protected, in an EU context, by the principle of unanimity in taxation matters. Our Corporation Tax rate is a cornerstone of our industrial policy and it will remain unchanged. The selection process for the position of Managing Director of the IMF is currently under way, with nominations closing on June 10, and it is expected that the selection process will be completed by the IMF Executive Board on June 30. I look forward to a fruitful working relationship with the new Managing Director.

I think it is important that candidates will have demonstrated strong capacities and commitment to multilateral co-ordination and extensive knowledge of international economic, financial and monetary affairs. As I indicated recently, I consider that Christine Lagarde is an excellent candidate who has all the capabilities of being a very good head of the IMF. She combines extensive experience as French Finance Minister with the experience of operating in the commercial world. She has adopted a very pragmatic approach to addressing the current economic difficulties and has always been available for discussion with Irish Ministers.