Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. It would appear the Commissioner with responsibility in relation to competition rules, and involved in that particular issue for some time, intends to continue in this regard. Insofar as the particular outgoing or incoming Commissioner is concerned, it appears this issue will continue to be pursued along these lines to the extent that a question mark may be held overconfidence in the economy from the perspective of foreign direct investment, for example.

I also wish to inquire about the degree to which Apple is being deemed or implied to have had a special sweetheart deal with the Government. I have asked many questions about this context over the years, as did the Minister when he was in opposition. I had no reason to believe such a deal was in position. It is now being implied that there was such a deal, or at least a question mark has been raised over this. Would it now be opportune to firmly rebut this suggestion in view of the likelihood of a continuation in this vein?

At a previous meeting, I mentioned that a financier, a multimillionaire, in the company of Oxfam, toured Europe, America and this country outlining the allegation that Ireland was a tax haven. I do not think this is good for the country. I do not think it is good for the Minister's Department, of which he has the right to have full control without reference to revered investors who are multimillionaires. They have their own agenda, and the Minister knows what this is as well. I am just a bit uneasy about this situation.

I am asking the Minister to confirm that I do not need to worry.