James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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59. To ask the Minister for Finance if he would consider a 0.25% levy on supermarkets and other retailers on the outskirts of cities and towns turning over €8 million to reinvigorate struggling town centres that have suffered the worst effects of the recession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48172/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to a levy on supermarket profits. In terms of tax policy generally, Ireland’s corporate tax rate of 12.5% on trading income is akin to a brand and is an important part of the Government’s strategy of creating an enterprise friendly environment to attract jobs and investment to Ireland. One of the main features of the rate is its simplicity and the fact that it applies to a broad base.

The Deputy’s suggested approach would involve significant complexity and could undermine the attractiveness of Ireland’s corporate tax offering.

Further, there could also potentially be State Aid issues if we were to target tax payers in the manner suggested.