Enda Kenny promised to protect and “further strengthen” Ireland’s lucrative corporate tax rate and has hinted at reducing personal taxes, writes Elaine Loughlin, Political Reporter in Glenties.
The Taoiseach has said that a second secretary general will be appointed to his department to deal with Britain’s exit from Europe.
Foreign embassies will also be bolstered with more staff employed abroad.
Speaking at the MacGill Summer School this evening, the Taoiseach said upcoming Budget will be shaped by the challenges posed by Brexit.
Mr Kenny has asked both Michael Noonan and Paschal Donohoe “to ensure that the upcoming Budget in October is shaped by, and addresses, the challenges resulting from Brexit, and to set out a national economic response.”
Speaking in the context of Britain’s decision to leave the EU said there is now a need to further strengthen the competitiveness of our personal and corporate tax regimes for mobile investment and skills.
Supporting the strong recovery in tourism, agri-business and other regional, employment-intensive sectors in recent years will also be a priority of Budget 2017.
The Taoiseach added that there is now a need to further diversify our export markets.
A “wide conversation” will take place on how Brexit will impact communities, business and organisations across the country and the government is to organise a public consultation process to listen to the views and concerns of the people.
He said: “The Government believes that there is a need in these circumstances for the widest possible conversation on the implications of the referendum result for Ireland, North and South and for North/South relations and we will continue to explore options to achieve this in a way that is non-divisive.
Adding that he respects the fact that all political views must be listened to Mr Kenny said: “We need to ensure that all voices can be heard on this issue – all political parties throughout the island, inside and outside government, as well as civil society, NGO’s and business.
“It’s really important that we have everybody’s view and that they be able to express that view.
“There will be a broader public consultation – including on an inclusive all-island basis – and an ongoing engagement with other parties in the Oireachtas, as well as with the Brexit Stakeholder Group which has already been meeting for some time now,” Mr Kenny said.
