"Ireland's corporate tax take last year"

Letter in today's FT:

Sir, You reported ("Taxing time for Lisbon's supporters", June 12) that "Ireland's corporate tax take was €6.4bn last year, representing a little less than half total tax revenues".

This would be rather remarkable if it were true. Corporate tax take in Ireland was indeed €6.4bn last year, but total Exchequer tax revenues were €47.2bn, rising to about €56bn with social security taxes included.

Colm McCarthy, Department of Economics, University College, Dublin.

My letter to the FT of five days ago:

Sir, Your article "Taxing time for Lisbon's supporters" (12 June) includes the statement "Ireland's corporate tax take was €6.4bn last year, representing a little less than half total tax revenues".

The Irish Revenue Commissioners' Statisical Report 2006, Table TR1 shows that corporation tax receipts were €6.7bn, which is just under fifteen per cent of total revenues of €45.5bn.

*stamps foot petulantly, walks away grumbling*