Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No, I think we would have come to this point anyway. I do not believe it was due primarily to where we are with Ireland’s rate. The evidence for that belief is the fact the OECD process up to this point has not been focused on the rate. It has been focused on other elements of international tax plans, international tax co-ordination and co-operation. The entire BEPS process up to now has not been focused on the rate but has been making a set of other changes in tax policy across the world.

Some countries had a particular focus on Ireland and where we stood on a lower rate. However, I am not sure that provides a retrospective argument for Ireland having a lower rate in the past because that lower rate worked for our country and played a valuable part in attracting in foreign direct investment. I believe Ireland still having a low and certain rate will be very helpful and important for our competitiveness in the future.