Written answers
Wednesday, 20 September 2017
Department of Finance
Corporation Tax
Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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147. To ask the Minister for Finance if he has informed European Commission President Juncker that he will oppose the proposal to drop the unanimity requirement in relation to the proposed common consolidated corporate tax base; and if he will indicate to him that taxation matters should remain under the competence of each member state. [39859/17]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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185. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the recent comments made by President Juncker in his state of the union address (details supplied); the implications this may have for the State; the actions he will take to prevent changes to the corporation tax rate here in view of the commitment made following the second Lisbon treaty and the agreed protocols on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39745/17]
Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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192. To ask the Minister for Finance if he has indicated at the European Council of Finance Ministers that he will oppose the proposal to drop the unanimity requirement in relation to the proposed common consolidated corporate tax base; if he will further indicate that taxation matters should remain under the competence of each member state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39856/17]
Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 147, 185 and 192 together.
I note the comment made by President Juncker on the requirement of unanimity. There is no official proposal currently for a change on the way tax policy decisions are taken in the EU.
Under the EU Treaties, for the European Council to move a policy area such as taxation from unanimity to qualified majority voting it would require a unanimous decision to do so. The support of the European Parliament would also be required. The Irish Government would not favour any change to existing EU voting rights on corporation tax.
Regarding the CCTB, Member States are discussing and debating the various aspects of the proposal in the relevant tax working parties. Ireland will engage constructively with the proposal while critically analysing whether it is in line with Ireland’s long-term interests. Tax remains a matter of Member State competence and unanimity is required before any proposals can be agreed.
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