Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I have received no such representations. Furthermore, Ireland cannot be regarded as a tax haven. We have a comprehensive taxation system covering income, capital and indirect taxes. In addition, Ireland has 44 tax treaties in place, a system of full exchange of information and proper regulation of activities to the highest standards.

Finally, I again emphasise that companies locate here for a variety of reasons and, in this regard, Ireland offers many advantages to US investors such as access to the European Union, a well-educated workforce, political stability and an enterprise-friendly administration.

See this speech in context