Mr. John O'Callaghan:

I do not think so. We do not tend to see multinationals very much. This is despite the fact that all sorts of tax issues arise. For example, the definition relating to tax relief on research and development expenditure is quite complicated. I have one case, which has been ongoing for some time, regarding whether the company involved qualifies. There is perhaps €1 million or more in expenditure involved in that case. We do not to see the multinationals that often. What tends to happen is that they iron out the basis on which they are going to operate before they commence operations here. Thereafter, they go off and operate as planned. That is the sense I have of it. Some multinationals come before us on various issues that arise. However, those issues would be technical in nature and they would have nothing to do with the overarching structure. We might be presented with arguments in respect of double taxation agreements or whatever on occasion. My answer to the Deputy's question on whether we have made decisions regarding multinationals and the operation of the 12.5% corporation tax rate in respect of them is "No". I am not aware of any case relating to that matter.