A leading international economist says there should be a common corporation tax across Europe. Thomas Piketty says there has been a "race to the bottom" in some European Union member states over the rate.

He says low corporation tax means higher taxes on workers in order to raise revenue to pay for public services.

The Irish government has repeatedly insisted that its 12.5% corporate tax rate will not be increased.

Speaking at the annual TASC think-tank conference in Dublin, Thomas Piketty from the Paris School of Economics says there should be a universal level introduced.

The Jobs Minister is meanwhile rejecting calls for a higher tax rate for top earners. Richard Bruton says it is a bad idea to introduce higher taxes at a time when Ireland is trying to attract more investment.

He was responding to calls from TASC, which wants cuts in VAT rate but no drop in income tax.

TASC is holding its annual conference today and is warning that disadvantaged people are at risk of being left behind.

The independent charity is calling for more investment in key infrastructure and improvements in child and elder.

The Director of TASC, Dr. Nat O'Connor, also wants the wealthy to pay more taxes.

However, Minister Richard Bruton says that is the wrong way to go.