Written answers

Tuesday, 16 October 2018

Photo of Noel RockNoel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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161. To ask the Minister for Finance the progress in discussions with the Brazilian authorities to remove Ireland from a blacklist of tax havens; his views on the length of this process; his further views on the potential damaging effect this has on Ireland's international reputation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42215/18]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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There has been ongoing engagement between Irish and Brazilian officials at every possible opportunity at official, political and diplomatic level, on the issue of Ireland being included on the Brazilian tax list.

It has been raised with the Brazilian Finance Minister on numerous occasions. The Finance Ministry’s position has been that it is a matter for the Revenue Secretary.

Minister of State Joe McHugh TD travelled to Brazil as part of the “Promote Ireland” Programme for St Patrick’s Day this year. Minister McHugh engaged directly with the Head of the Brazilian Revenue Service in a meeting specific to this matter. During September, Minister of State Pat Breen TD travelled to Brazil as part of a trade mission. Minister Breen raised the question of Ireland’s tax listing, with the Undersecretary General for Trade Promotion, Investment & International Cooperation who assured the Minister that the Brazilian Foreign Ministry were aware of Ireland’s concerns on this issue and would again raise the question within their system.

The Brazilian authorities have made clear Ireland has been included on the Brazilian list solely due to having a standard corporate tax rate below 17%.

We have continued to make the case that it is inappropriate to include Ireland on the list on the basis of our longstanding 12.5% corporation tax rate. We have pointed out our views that focusing on headline rates is flawed but Brazil have maintained their position.

Department of Finance officials and officials from the Revenue Commissioners continue to actively support the Irish Ambassador to Brazil in our efforts to seek Ireland's removal from the Brazilian list.

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