Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The Taoiseach will be aware of the latest data showing manufacturing activity continues to grow and has just reached its second highest level in 11 years. At the same time, the enterprise agencies are reporting a very strong pipeline of investment projects, some of which have already been announced. Following the practice of his predecessor, will the Taoiseach use his visit to New York to talk to important members of the business community about Ireland's economic message? Given the strength of inward investment and the support American companies have shown for Ireland in recent months and years, it is clear they already know Ireland is open for business. Of critical concern to those companies in terms of job creation are the question of corporation tax and the broader issue of the harmonisation of taxes across the European Union.

Given the clarity of the policy on corporation tax, the rate of which is accepted at this stage, will the Taoiseach use his visit tomorrow to state clearly Ireland will not accept any proposals on the tax base that would have the effect of increasing the taxes payable by companies that have invested here and which are investing here? Will he ascertain the latest position on President Obama's Administration's tax policy on US multinationals' overseas activities?

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