Ireland can't be 'free rider', says influential MEP

Philippe Lamberts is a member of the European Parliament's powerful Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, which is expected to raise the issue of Ireland's corporate tax arrangements when it visits the Dáil this week

Leo Varadkar was tackled by Green MEP Philippe Lamberts at the European Parliament. Pic: Getty
'No need to pay zillions to bankers,' says MP. Pic: Getty

A leading MEP has warned that that Ireland cannot continue to be a 'free rider' on European business due to its corporation tax regime.

Philippe Lamberts is the leader of the Green Party group in the European Parliament and is the MEP who tackled Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on several issues during his first appearance there last week.

In an interview with the Sunday Business Post, the Belgian MEP said Ireland should sign up to a common method of deciding howmulti-nationals will be taxed on their profits– known as the common consolidated corporate tax base.