Mr. Pascal Saint-Amans:

As I indicated, the definition of a tax haven was elaborated in 1998 in a context where a large number of jurisdictions were attached to strict bank secrecy. The definition therefore focused on these aspects with no exchange of information and no transparency. Since 2008, major progress has been made in this domain with almost all jurisdictions now not only having committed to, but also having implemented, the standards on transparency and exchange of information. That would explain why the response to the Deputy's question is that we probably do not have many jurisdictions left, if any, which meet the definition of a tax haven.

That said, I think the definition is still relevant. The two other aspects are no tax and no real business activity. If one puts aside the lack of transparency, there are a large number of jurisdictions meeting these criteria. This is not the comprehensive definition of what a tax haven is. However, there is no doubt Ireland is transparent and it is at the forefront of the fight for transparency. I understand that Ireland has taxation and attracts real business activity. It is very far from the definition of a tax haven.