Balance needed between Irish and international firms

In the Dáil on Wednesday during a debate on corporation tax rates I urged the Government to ensure that the current rate of 12.5 % should be maintained and that it should withstand any bullying or pressure from the EU to change those rates.

I am aware that there are legitimate claims that some of the huge multinationals are not paying anywhere near the 12.5 % as it is, and we have to take steps to ensure that everyone pays their fair share of tax in this country. However multinationals are a fact of life here and they employ a lot of people.

I also stressed the need to support Irish companies especially in the first few years after they set up, which can be tough. Irish companies that provide small number of jobs must be protected and encouraged as well as the multinationals.

We have all seen the devastation that can be visited on an area if things go wrong for a multinational in terms of jobs lost etc, so we must be mindful of that as well and strike the right balance between the multinationals and our own Irish companies.

Michael Fitzmaurice

Castle View Terrace

Roscommon Town