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EU Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019

Tuesday, 15 January 2019

Ceisteanna (218)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

218. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has submitted feedback on the EU roadmap for more efficient law making in the field of taxation and identification of areas for a move to qualified majority voting; if so, the status of this feedback; his views on the proposals outlined in the roadmap specifically those proposals to end unanimity when it comes to taxation matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1193/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The European Commission recently published a Roadmap document titled 'Taxation - more efficient EU law-making procedure' which is seeking the views of members of the public and is open until 17th January 2019. It is aimed at seeking the views of the general public rather than the Member States.

I am aware that a European Commission Communication paper is due to be published shortly on a potential move to qualified majority voting in the area of taxation.

I firmly believe that the current unanimity based voting procedure is the most appropriate voting system in the area of taxation. Indeed, over the last 4 years, 21 Taxation initiatives have been agreed by Member States unanimously. This includes important Directives on VAT, administrative co-operation, Anti-Tax-Avoidance and also the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. This illustrates that the requirement for unanimity is not preventing significant agreements from being reached.

The European Treaties are clear on how tax decisions are to be taken and Ireland’s tax sovereignty is an important issue for Irish citizens. I do not support any change to existing EU voting rights on taxation.

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