Dáil unity on 12.5% tax and a better EU deal

DEFENCE of the country’s low corporation tax and the need for a better deal from the EU united the Dáil as it met in special session to mark Europe Day.

Addressing the gathering, Ireland’s EU Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn gave strong backing for a cut in the interest rate the European Central Bank is charging Dublin for the emergency bailout loans.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny insisted that the 12.5% corporation tax was non-negotiable and was key to achieving growth rates needed to haul Ireland out of the economic slump.