The information the Deputy requests is set out in the table below. I would like to reiterate the inherent volatility and unpredictability of Irish corporation tax revenues which is partly due to the concentration of receipts among a small number of firms. This feature of our corporation tax base is widely recognised as creating a large exposure of revenue to firm- and sector-specific developments. This represents a vulnerability that we must be conscious of and, accordingly, increases the premium attached to policy caution.
Year
|
Forecast (€ millions)
|
Outturn (€ millions)
|
Difference (€ millions)
|
2010
|
3,160
|
3,924
|
764
|
2011
|
4,020
|
3,520
|
-500
|
2012
|
3,770
|
4,216
|
446
|
2013
|
4,135
|
4,270
|
135
|
2014
|
4,380
|
4,614
|
234
|
2015
|
4,575
|
6,872
|
2,297
|
2016
|
6,615
|
7,351
|
736
|
2017
|
7,715
|
8,201
|
486
|
2018
|
8,504
|
10,385
|
1,881
|
Finally, a Tax Forecasting Methodology Review Group has been established to assess my Department’s current tax forecasting processes, including Corporation Tax. The group includes representation from my Department, the Revenue Commissioners and the Central Bank. The group’s report will be published by end-year.