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

I thank the Chairman for his long-standing interest in this matter. As he has acknowledged, like the rest of its EU partners, Ireland adheres to the one China policy. As a result, we do not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, this does not preclude the development of economic trade relations. Some of my EU colleagues have negotiated a DTA with Taiwan. At present, my Department is consulting with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to examine whether an agreement, with equivalent effect to a DTA with Taiwan, might be concluded in a manner consistent with our foreign policy.

As the Chairman will be aware, an amendment was made to section 826 of the Taxes Consolidation Act in the Finance Act 2015 to allow for agreements to be made with non-governmental entities such as Taiwan. This has paved the way legally to conclude an agreement with Taiwan. Discussions between officials, including those from Revenue and the Department of Foreign Affairs, on next steps are ongoing, but there are not at present any formal negotiations between Irish officials and representatives of Taiwan.

The Chairman is correct to point out that IDA Ireland had an office in Taiwan. I understand it was closed in 2011 for economic reasons. I am not aware of any plans at present to reopen it but I will certainly raise that with IDA Ireland.