The European Commission is reported to be preparing new plans on corporation tax across the European Union.
The proposals could lead to a common rule book on how corporation tax is calculated. A commission spokesman said this did not necessarily mean that corporation tax rates would change.
The proposal is understood to be part of a drive to re-invigorate the EU's internal market.
Finance Minister Brian Lenihan said he welcomed the fact that the proposals acknowledged that a diversity of arrangements was possible.
