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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Tax fairness and Apple case

Summary

The Leader responded to Paradise Papers concerns, arguing for one tax code and stronger compliance, while taking a different view from Senator Conway-Walsh on the Apple case.

I thank the 21 Senators who contributed to the Order of Business. Senators Ardagh and Conway-Walsh raised the issue of the Paradise Papers. I join with Senator Ardagh in saying that, as a society and State, there can only be one tax code for all citizens. Any complex, labyrinthine way of getting around the paying of tax by tax residents of this country should be eroded. We all agree with that. The more people who pay tax, the more people we can have availing of essential public services. It is important to recognise the importance of taxation in our economy, whether direct or indirect. Senator Conway-Walsh referred to the Apple issue in the context of the Paradise Papers. Ireland has acted to address definitively the issues around stateless and double Irish status companies. When the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, comes to the House he will be discussing the changes he has already brought forward for a regime for capital allowances. Ireland has always been very compliant despite the Senator's protestations. We will play and we have played a full part in implementing international tax law. The Senator need not be so dismissive. I know the Sinn Féin Party does not like to hear good news.

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It would be good to have a debate on the issue.

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We are holding a consultative process to establish how we should, as a State, implement the remaining reforms. I have every confidence the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, and the Government will work with the Revenue Commissioners to ensure there is compliance with our tax laws. If any Member has information he or she should share it with the Revenue Commissioners. In view of the Apple case, as Senator Conway-Walsh knows quite well, the Government has a different viewpoint to her. The case is before Europe, and the Government will continue to ensure we are collecting tax from all corporations and foreign entities whether it is Apple or another. I would be very happy to have the debate in the House for Senators Conway-Walsh and Ardagh.

Senator Murnane O'Connor and Senator Gavan raised the issue of housing. The "Prime Time" programme is one we all watched with incredulity. We did not need "Prime Time" to tell us about some of the standards we have to watch because we actually go into those houses ourselves. We made representations to the RTB and the city and county councils regarding the matters. It is not correct to say the Government is inactive in the matter. The Senator may shake her head and dismiss me but sometimes it might be good to listen. All of us recognise that the landlords preying on people who require accommodation must be taken to task, investigated and held to account. Whichever way it is done in terms of accountability-----

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