Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Cotter and his colleagues. The statistics he has quoted indicate the strong business relationship between the United States and this country, the very significant number of employees in US firms in this country and the large number of individual companies also. A number of years ago it was always thought that the number of people employed in the United States by Irish companies was somewhat lower than the number employed by US firms in this country. When did that change to Irish firms employing more people in the United States than the number US firms employ here? We welcome this because it often provides an opportunity for the sale of products from the parent company in this country to the company established in the United States.

Will Mr. Cotter elaborate on and give some detail in regard to his statement that the overall scale of inter-firm trade is poorly documented?

With regard to the Chairman's question about pre-clearance facilities and Mr. Cotter's reference to better links with the west coast of the United States, what locations does Mr. Cotter have in mind? He also mentioned corporation tax. In my limited experience of trade missions one of the first questions which is always raised in the boardroom is whether Ireland is committed to retaining its current level of corporation tax. Sometimes there can be a misapprehension in regard to the European Union and the level of corporation tax. It is a matter within the competence of the national government and it cannot be changed except with unanimity at European Union level. The message must continue to be conveyed that there will be no change to the corporation tax rate, as has been stated by successive Governments. It is a clear message that must be reiterated at every opportunity.

With regard to the eurozone and the difficulties in recent years, has that been a source of concern on a constant basis since 2008 for the members of the chamber and client companies? It factors in to the issue of competitiveness, as well in the context of fluctuations in the value of currencies.

I welcome Mr. Cotter's strong statement about what has been achieved during the years and the potential for further development and trade through the US-EU trade agreement. Does there appear to be a desire in the United States to complete a World Trade Organisation deal? It has been on the agenda for many years but has not moved forward significantly.