Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 October 2020
123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if, in the context of discussions on taxation at European level, due regard has been given for the peripheral geographic locations here in respect of the rest of Europe in the context of international trade and costs for industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30880/20]
View answerDecisions on tax issues at the EU require the unanimous approval of all Member States. This important principle, which is enshrined in the EU Treaties, ensures that all countries have an equal role in agreeing tax proposals regardless of size or geographical location.
Nonetheless, it has proven possible to reach significant agreements on tax at European level in recent years. Important Directives have been agreed by all Member States to clamp down on tax avoidance and to exchange information among tax authorities. I also believe that important further Directives and changes will be agreed in the future as international standards continue to evolve.
While Ireland engages cooperatively and enthusiastically with our fellow Member States, we remain fully committed to the principle of unanimity which ensures tax sovereignty is appropriately respected.
It is clear that further change at international level is coming on international tax. Ireland is an active participant in this work and this enables us to raise issues of particular relevant of smaller countries. The OECD BEPS Inclusive Framework, which is leading this work, involves nearly 140 countries working together to find a consensus solution to address the tax challenges of digitalisation.
