SEANAD REPORT:STRESSING THAT corporation tax arrangements could be changed only by unanimous European Union vote, Hans-Gert Pöttering, president of the European Parliament, said he would do his best to ensure that misleading remarks to the contrary would not continue.
He had been asked by Senators about a reported statement by French finance minister Christine Lagarde that her country was determined to push hard to encourage EU states to agree a common method of computing corporate taxes during its forthcoming EU presidency.
Mr Pöttering said some ministers of countries that regarded themselves as great should be more wise and more reluctant to make statements. "I will do my utmost to make sure, in the framework of my possibilities, that these misleading remarks will not continue."
He could assure the House that, in relation to the Lisbon Treaty, the position of Ireland on neutrality, abortion and taxes would not be changed. "These questions remain your own decisions."
Replying to questions following his address to the House, Mr Pöttering noted that Feargal Quinn, (Ind) had spoken of spending a year in France and Belgium several decades ago. He suggested that Mr Quinn tell Ms Lagarde that what she had stated was not compatible with the Lisbon Treaty. He was sure she would very quickly understand that.
Mr Pöttering said the peace process in Ireland could and must be used as a model to help resolve other conflicts. Ireland had shown it could achieve peace but it took real courage, determination, leadership, understanding and forgiveness.
"As a Catholic I am impressed that the Seanad starts its meetings with a prayer. Personalities who do this can forgive and this is part of our belief and values. I congratulate the members on having the courage to pray in the chamber. This is a very personal remark and I thank the members for giving this example."
*************
In a separate debate on the Lisbon Treaty, European Affairs Minister Dick Roche said Ms Lagarde's statement on taxation, as reported, was untimely, unhelpful and inappropriate. There had not even been a paper produced on the common consolidated corporate tax base. Ms Lagarde had admitted this was a controversial issue and that there might be no swift agreement on it. "You can sing that."
She had also stated France supported the corporate tax base concept and that she would like to have a debate on it. "We would welcome the opportunity for an honest and informed discussion on this issue, because we will make our opposition clear at that time."