Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Both motions were taken at the committee last Thursday where there was an opportunity for debate on them. I can confirm to Deputy Martin that this is obviously a matter of great concern to everybody. Arising from comments made in the US Senate and Senate hearings, this matter was raised at the European Council meeting in the closing stages of our Presidency, which I attended. The European Council was very clear in its unanimous decision to work with the OECD on the action plan on base erosion and profit shifting, BEPS. Clearly, legislation has not moved as quickly as the digital world. It is not a case of Ireland standing out in front. It is a case of an international response to different jurisdictional conditions that apply. We are very happy to work with our colleagues in that regard. Deputy Martin will have seen the comments from the chief executive of the OECD confirming that Ireland is not a tax haven and that it is very happy to support that. I do not object to having a debate on it. These are two motions where there was an opportunity to discuss the matter at the committee. It did not happen. I am not objecting to this but it should be done at the appropriate time in the interests of clarity. We have no difficulty in that regard.

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