Mr. Pádraig Dalton:

Rather than countries looking at Ireland and saying it is a little rich, the opposite is being said. We have received a number of study visits. The statistical office of Luxembourg is visiting Ireland today. The representatives are arriving this afternoon to look at our approach to the compilation of national accounts and the balance of payments. The Dutch have been over. Representatives from the UK are coming later this year. Representatives from the statistics office of Luxembourg will be here today. What is actually happening is the opposite of what Deputy Doherty has suggested. Rather, they are looking at us and asking whether the large cases unit structure is the way they need to go to gain access to all the data sources. In fact, the opposite is happening.

There was a question about getting back to the principle of it. We could sit back and say that in theory we can see the value in some of it. However, I cannot separate it from the practice. Perhaps if this proposal was coming in five or ten years time, when we had time to focus on ensuring that every compiler of official statistics has access to all the data sources necessary as well as an ability to influence the quality of all the various data sources, then our perspective would be a little different. We need to ensure that there is confidence as well. The big thing here is confidence as well as trust in the national statistical institute. Generally speaking, the vast majority of compilers and respondents in Ireland comply because we have a record of maintaining the confidentiality of the data provided, although a small number of companies do not comply. We have a strong record to stand on in that regard.

That is really important. Our concern is that anything that might dilute their trust in us creates a risk for the national statistical system. In theory, at a European level I can see some value in it. However, at a national level other issues arise. Let us consider it from an Irish perspective. Approximately 90% of the ultimate ownership of foreign direct investment is in the USA. Therefore, for us to get data from the member states will not help. It does not address the global nature of FDI. That is the thing about globalisation. Globalisation cannot be addressed purely at a European level. It needs to be addressed at a global level if we really want to get to the bottom of the issue.