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

To summarise where we are at and the purpose of this discussion, it is not purposeful for committee members to give their own opinions. The witnesses are before the sub-committee and we would like to hear their expert opinions on this matter. In laying out the reason we are doing this, I would use the analogy of football. We could talk to Manchester United or Chelsea about the offside rule, or we could talk to FIFA and UEFA about it. We consider the witnesses to be the people who have the understanding of UEFA and FIFA when it comes to this matter.

I will start by putting my questions and the questions will be taken in 15 minute slots. If the witnesses could keep their answers cogent and clear, it would be better for us and for themselves in terms of moving things on. As I will be directing my questions to both witnesses, I ask them to be succinct in their responses. A debate is taking place on this issue in Ireland and we have seen that debate change in terms of the landscape. There was an announcement in the budget at Christmas by the Minister, Deputy Noonan, in regard to Ireland's positioning on this. During the Irish Presidency, statements were made with regard to trying to find a universal approach to this across the European Union. To use Mr. McCaughey's term, the architecture of this is very much what we are looking at. I will begin by seeking a defining position on this from Mr. Keegan and Mr. McCaughey in that order. Do they consider Ireland to be a tax haven?