Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will do that. We were expecting a report towards the end of last month which will be ready sometime early in December on the possibilities and potential that exists for free trade between the European Union and the US, which holds enormous potential, of a magnitude of at least 2% growth in the economies of Europe as a consequence because of the extraordinary level of trade either way. We will certainly tie it onto that.

What we are seeking from a European point of view is to get a mandate to open the discussions which will clearly go on for a considerable time. This is the appropriate time to do that. The point Deputy Martin mentioned is one that I raised with the President when I met him last year and it is one on which we will follow through. We want nobody to be under any illusion that this country is some kind of tax haven. We will follow through on that and continue the dialogue to clear up any remaining misconceptions on the issue. That is an important element for American investment but also for the perception globally of Ireland being a country open for business where our tax structure is very clear and there are no misconceptions about our position by US companies. That is a matter on which we will follow through. The views of Members will be important in the debate.

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