Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I thank colleagues on all sides for their contributions to this debate both last night and tonight. In a week when the international reputation of this country has been sullied as a result of the fiscal and economic crisis in which we find ourselves, this debate is crucial to our international standing.

I am convinced - I have information to this effect - that senior CEOs and executives of companies in the United States and other parts of the world which have considerable investments in Ireland are reading and watching this debate. What businesses which invest in this country want more than anything else is stability. They want to know their investment is effectively guaranteed and that third countries such as Ireland to which they relocate plants and businesses are stable. The debate on this motion will send out a positive signal to the international business community that this country is still open for business. The only way out of the crisis is to expand business, increase exports and ensure we improve our trade through domestic industries and multinational companies based here.

I do not underestimate the importance of this debate for those who take an interest in whether Ireland is open for business. I am completely indifferent on the amendment because the House is speaking with one voice tonight in a most difficult week for this country. Ireland's corporation tax rate is a sovereign matter for the House and Governments of every complexion to determine policy on business profit tax.

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