Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like the rest of our EU partners, Ireland adheres to the one-China policy. However, some EU member states have negotiated a tax agreement with Taiwan. My Department, in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Revenue Commissioners, examined whether an agreement with equivalent effect to a tax agreement with Taiwan might be concluded in a manner consistent with our foreign policy. In the Finance Act 2015 an amendment was made to section 826 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to allow for agreements to be made with non-governmental entities such as Taiwan. This paved the way legally to concluding an agreement. Discussions on the next steps to be taken are ongoing with a view to identifying an approach that is acceptable to both countries. There have as yet not been formal negotiations between Irish officials and representatives of Taiwan.