Fiscal Policy

Thursday, 2 October 2025

Ceisteanna (262)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

262. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if he accepts that Ireland's fiscal policy must be cognisant of risks surrounding indexation on corporate tax, introduces to our ability to fund the day-to-day running of the State or our investment ambition; his views that such a narrow base across and within tax heads leaves us vulnerable to any shock which would hit the internationally traded sector or sectors with disproportionately higher earnings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52658/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I have warned on many occasions of the risks surrounding corporation tax. This revenue stream is highly reliant on a small number of large multinational firms and is not a suitable basis on which to build permanent spending commitments.

The Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund were established in order to mitigate this risk. These funds will enable us to invest a portion of ‘windfall’ corporation tax receipts to prepare for future challenges whilst also ensuring that these potentially transients are not used to fund day-to-day spending.

Of course, this must be placed in the wider context of an approach to overall budgetary policy that remains safe and affordable. This is the best way to ensure our public finances are resilient to external shocks.