17/04/2008

Ireland Awaits Announcement On Veto For Tax Harmony

Pro Lisbon Treaty politicians are awaiting an announcement to confirm Ireland's right to veto any proposals for a tax harmonisation policy for Europe.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso is expected to confirm today that the Lisbon Treaty will not affect Ireland's right to the veto, which would allow Ireland to continue with its low level of corporation tax.

The EC recently announced that it was looking into ways to harmonise the tax system for businesses across all 27 members states.

The comments caused worry among the Government ahead of the Lisbon Treaty referendum and several ministers have been insisting that Ireland and other states will still be able to block any such proposals.

Mr Barroso is expected to confirm this stance when he addresses the Forum on Europe in Dublin today.

Ireland's low rate of corporation tax has been credited with helping to attract huge levels of foreign investment that might otherwise have gone to other EU countries.

(DW)


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