Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

No, I have not engaged in any discussions on the matters to which the Deputy refers. This issue has been raised on a number of occasions and in various contexts and relates to improving the prospects of the all-Ireland economy. It is clear, however, that major issues arise as far as the British Treasury is concerned with regard to the question of differentiated tax rates within the UK jurisdiction. The Treasury has made the point that while the UK's nominal corporation tax rate is higher than that which obtains here, there are various ways and means by which it has sought to assist the direction of investment to Northern Ireland, where a different tax rate to that which obtains here applies. That issue will not be easily resolved. However, it continues to be spoken of positively by business interests in the North.

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