Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Finance the proposals he has to extend tax-free status to offshore islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30746/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring to the submission from Udaras na Gaeltachta to the Commission on Taxation recommending a special tax incentive scheme for offshore Islands.

The purpose of the Commission on Taxation is to review the structure, efficiency and appropriateness of the Irish taxation system. The work of the Commission will set the framework within which tax policy will be set for the next decade. I believe that it is important that the Commission take a strategic, considered and balanced perspective that recognises the evolving challenges we face. It is also important that the Commission retain an independent role in the course of their deliberations and for this reason I do not feel it is appropriate to comment on individual proposals made to the Commission at this stage.