During his first speech as Minister for Finance, which was delivered to the EU American Chamber of Commerce in Brussels, Brian Lenihan confirmed that the Reform Treaty does not change any of the existing arrangements in relation to taxation matters; and Ireland's veto over any EU proposals in the taxation area remains.

In addition, he advised that the independent Referendum Commission has verified that Ireland's taxation veto is retained in the Lisbon Reform Treaty and the President of the European Commission, Manuel Barroso, has confirmed Ireland's tax policy veto in his recent speech to the Forum on Europe in Dublin.

The Minister also mentioned CCCTB and enhanced cooperation and how this links into the Treaty. In summary, the provision for enhanced cooperation already exists in earlier treaties.

The Minister concluded by saying that “There is no change in the existing position; the Lisbon Treaty does not undermine Ireland's national position on tax matters and tax sovereignty.”