Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is to consider item No. 1, four double taxation agreements with the Republic of Uzbekistan, the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Swiss Confederation, and one exchange of information agreement with San Marino. Item No. 2 is a Mutual Assistance in Tax Matters Order 2012 and item No. 3 is a motion referred by the Dáil in regard to the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 (Suspension of Exchequer Contributions) Order 2012.

I welcome the Minister for State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Brian Hayes, and his officials to assist our consideration of the motions. Briefing notes were provided by the Department. If we adhere to a reasonably strict schedule, the Minister can address the committee, after which each of the Opposition spokespersons can respond and we can then have an open discussion. Is that agreed? Agreed. I invite the Minister of State to make his statement.