Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I have three brief questions for the Taoiseach. On tax haven legislation, is it not the case that the legislation currently being proposed goes far beyond the issue of tax havens and that US companies operating legitimately outside of the United States could be taxed on the double? For example, the Bank of America has 14 subsidiaries here in Ireland. What we will do is handicap US businesses investing in countries such as Ireland. Will the Taoiseach outline how we can progress this issue? It is of crucial importance to our part of the country where many US multinational companies are based.

The Taoiseach mentioned the bilateral deal with Australia and spoke about putting in a provision regarding a reciprocal arrangement for visas. How feasible is the proposal put forward by the Taoiseach? Also, have we considered the situation regarding US nationals based in Ireland who may have similar problems regarding residency? Could we use that mechanism to put forward proposals regarding the Irish in the United States?

My final question relates to Guantanamo and the commitment given by the Taoiseach to the US authorities in his interview. The Taoiseach made the point that if people were to come to Ireland under that scheme, we would keep a very close eye on them here. We cannot do that. Many immigrants here currently have disappeared from the system while being processed. How then will we have the resources to monitor additional people coming into the country? I note the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is beside the Taoiseach. I understand President Obama raised the issue of Afghanistan and, perhaps, the role Ireland could play in that regard. I understand the Taoiseach made the suggestion that because of our strong background in agriculture, we might be able to provide assistance in Afghanistan in the growing of crops other than poppies. Will the Taoiseach elaborate on that point?

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