I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 282 together.
Ireland's position on tax is well known and clear. Direct tax is a Member State competence and tax decisions are taken by unanimity.
Pillar Two of the OECD Agreement seeks to introduce a minimum tax rate for multinational enterprises across the globe. The EU Minimum Tax Directive, which introduces a minimum tax in the EU, will ultimately bring long-term stability and certainty to the international tax framework by ensuring there is a consistent and coordinated application of the minimum tax rules across EU Member States.
Although political agreement has not yet been achieved on the Minimum Tax Directive, I am fully supportive of the Czech Presidency's efforts to resolve this and it remains my belief that the Directive will be agreed by all Member States in the near term.
I am aware that some are frustrated at the pace of progress and would prefer to proceed with this legislation using the enhanced cooperation provision of the EU treaties.
I do not see the merit of pursuing a legislative proposal through enhanced cooperation. It is in everyone’s best interest to have the Directive agreed by all EU Member States. I firmly believe that agreement can be reached by all Member States and I continuing to work towards this achievable goal.