Vol. 512 No. 6
71 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recent call by the President of the EU Commission, Mr. Prodi, for an end to EU member states' right of veto on taxation matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26891/99]
I am aware of the views which have been expressed by Commissioner Prodi, when he recently suggested that the use of the veto by member states, including the area of taxation, would have to be considered in the context of future plans for enlargement. This issue is likely to arise at the forthcoming intergovernmental conference which will consider possible changes to the EU Treaty.
This Government, as well as previous governments, takes the view that the issue of taxation is an area where the unanimity rule should be retained and there has been no change in that policy approach.
