Challenge for us to retain our edge on tax

If and when the OECD's taxation proposals come into force, Ireland is in line to be one of the countries most affected - but that's not necessarily a bad thing, writes Brian Keegan.

Google: 'The mobility of high-tech industry can push the existing corporation tax system to its limits.' Photo: Feargal Ward

Governments have been wondering for some time if the multinational sector has been paying its proper share into the corporation tax pot. This concern has been added to by the recent public clamour over the way in which multinational companies are taxed (or, in some cases, not taxed).

The publication last Friday of the OECD's proposals to eliminate base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) is the practical manifestation of the political intention to ...