asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any counter measures are planned to offset the disadvantage to Irish manufacturers from the recent increase in the selective employment tax in Britain; and, if so, if he will give details.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Selective Employment Tax.
54.
As I told the Deputy in reply to a question on 28th November last, the selective employment tax in Britain amounts to a subsidy which, though small, could be countervailed if, in a particular instance, it caused or threatened material injury to an Irish industry.
While an increase in the rate of tax has been announced, there is no increase in the subsidy element and so no occasion for any countermeasures.
Would the Minister not agree that this is an indirect means of helping the export industries in Britain?
Yes, I would agree.
Does the Minister not consider that that forms a type of subsidy and works to our disadvantage?
I do agree. The point, as I understood it, of the Deputy's question, however, was the recent increases. This does not increase the subsidy element.
But there is a subsidy element.