Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Much of the debate has focused on what Ireland is doing. The European Union authorities are meeting representatives from Ireland but also representatives from other countries. Much of the issue concerns tax avoidance, a global issue. The corporation tax rate is crystal clear; it is fairly straightforward. As the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has just pointed out, at all times one works according to legislation. There is no toing and froing or horse trading; the system works according to what the legislation states. Are we involved in the global picture? This is an issue that was mentioned during the G20 discussions.

During yesterday's presentation, reference was made to jurisdictions that are well known to those who concern themselves with taxation issues. These countries include Bermuda, the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Jersey, Gibraltar and even Switzerland. Are there are discussions at European level on this issue? Are there discussions on what is happening within Europe and between Europe and perhaps the United States? How does the Caribbean come into that? Are we involved in that discussion? Much of the discussion is trying to paint us as the bad boys but that is far from the reality. As I pointed out, even US Senators McCain and Levin voted for the legislation supporting the check-box issue. What is our stance on examining this as a global issue rather than one that affects only Ireland and multinational companies in the State?