Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Taxation decisions continue to be governed by unanimity at EU level and Ireland will always be a strong defender, certainly this Government will be, of the protection of this principle of unanimity. I think the Deputy may be referring to the corporate own resource proposals from the European Commission, which are not agreed at this point. We have made our views well known in this regard. That proposal, in particular, would have significant implications for Ireland's contribution to the EU budget because of the level of multinational activity here in Ireland. While what is proposed is not a tax on the multinationals, it is an increase in a member state's contribution to the EU budget based on the amount of profits reported in that country. It is another way, therefore, it might be argued, of opening up the issue. It is not, however, agreed. It is subject to unanimity, and our position has been consistent on this issue.