Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Michael McGrath for his kind words. I look forward to engaging and working with him on the occasions when I am before this select sub-committee. As outlined earlier, we have managed to get a number of taxation agreements over the line in recent years. We compare very favourably with larger OECD countries in that regard. South America is one location in respect of which there is a great deal of work outstanding. The country to which we attach priority in terms of negotiating a double taxation agreement is Brazil. Our officials and diplomats will continue to work through the relevant channels in respect of this matter. We tend to use the standard OECD template but, on occasion, both parties to an agreement are obliged to tweak this.

Work in respect of BEPS remains ongoing. Where we are eventually going to end up remains to be seen. Obviously, Ireland is actively engaged with the BEPS process. Work is under way on determining the scope of a multilateral instrument - this is being termed as an OECD convention - which would facilitate countries in signing up to measures on a multilateral basis. Ireland would be positively disposed to supporting such an agreement. We are of the view that this matter is quite complex from a legal standpoint and that it could take some time to resolve the various issues. We intend to continue the process of signing double taxation agreements while also fully engaging with the BEPS process. An OECD-style convention with multilateral agreements is on the table as part of that process. We will continue to monitor progress in respect of this matter.