Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe has categorically rejected his nomination to be the next Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.
However, Paschal Donohoe insisted to reporters this afternoon that there were no vacancies at this time.
Mr Donohoe reiterated that he is focused on his current job as minister and Eurogroup chair and on seeing the current coalition government re-elected.
“That’s always the case because of the job I do as president.” [of the Eurogroup] “There is speculation and discussions are taking place about his future role,” he told reporters.
Asked whether he had discussed the IMF’s role with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Mr. Donohoe said it was a longstanding principle to keep such discussions private.
Mr Dononhoe said it was important to “take a step back” from speculation that Finance Minister Michael McGrath could become Ireland’s next European Commissioner.
However, he added, “Michael will give exceptional performances in many roles in the future.”
Minister McGrath said earlier today that he did not know whether Paschal Donohoe wanted to be the next president of the International Monetary Fund, but added that it would be a great opportunity if the post became available.
Mr McGrath warned that corporate tax returns cannot be relied upon in the future as they are inherently volatile.
He said that while the level of receivables had doubled in the past three to four years, this would not happen in the future and that the level of receivables in the future could be lower.
Despite yesterday’s record returns, McGrath said there had been weakness in returns over the past three months.
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Yesterday’s figures showed that corporate taxes rebounded strongly in November, with the Ministry of Finance achieving a surplus of 5.4 billion euros.
The amount collected in corporate tax was just over €6 billion, an increase of €1.3 billion (27%) compared to the previous year.
Mr McGrath said on Morning Ireland that yesterday’s figures were welcome as they meant Ireland would meet its overall budget requirements for this year.
He said public capital investment would increase and two new funds would be established to address future costs such as climate, demographics and digitalization.
Minister McGrath said corporation tax receipts were “above expectations” but noted November was “the most important month ever”.
He explained that November is the most important month of the treasury year as corporate tax and self-assessment income tax returns are completed.
The minister also said there was broad agreement from like-minded people that next year’s referendum would be about modernizing the constitution and that language on women’s role in the home should be removed. Ta.
Mr McGrath said care would be elevated to constitutionally recognized levels for the first time and the Government was committed to working to fully support the provision of that care.