Dell Boss Threatens To Reassess Irish Operations If Taxes Increase

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

22 November 2005

Dell chief executive, Kevin Rollins warned in an interview with the Sunday Business Post at the weekend that the computer giant will considering relocating its Irish operations if corporate taxes in the Republic increase.

Commenting on the ongoing pressure on the Irish authorities to raise the country's flagship low corporate tax rate, Mr Rollins explained that:

"Any time a cost goes up, we will reassess our position, particularly with tax. This applies to other areas such as fuel and labour, but tax is something we would look at very closely. We need to have a good workforce here, but we also need good taxes."

He concluded by observing:

"I don't think it is a tax haven. That makes it sound like someone is getting something for nothing or they are escaping a responsibility. It is not a responsibility; frankly it is just good business."

"Ireland has aggressive and progressive tax policies. That is good business for them and for the companies that come here."

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