Foreign executives could get €635k tax-free

High-earning foreign executives could make up to €635,000 in tax-free payments in Ireland under measures announced in the budget.

It was also claimed last night that a similar tax break to attract top executives was reversed in Spain after the ‘Beckham rule’ was exploited by 340 footballers.

Sinn Féin finance spokesman Pearse Doherty criticised the Finance Bill as it passed the second stage in the Dáil last night. He argued that tax breaks afforded to highly paid individuals under the special assignee relief programme would be exploited here.