Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate what Deputy Pearse Doherty says about taking risks in finance Bills and it is worth trying things out. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, has always said that initiatives such as SARP set out to do exactly what Deputies Michael McGrath and Creighton have outlined, aligning ourselves with our competitors, taking chances to see if we can do anything to create more jobs.

In my four or five months in situwith responsibility for the international financial services I have seen how important it is for global firms to get their decision makers to come here, to get the head honchos living in Ireland, to see how our economy works, to want to invest further, bring new products, retain jobs and not allow them go to other competitors. Many Deputies whose amendments have been ruled out of order would like to end this scheme. That is not the position of Government.

It is perfectly reasonable to request that data is made available. I made everything I was given available during the budget debate. I accept, however, that there is a better way to do that. The Revenue Commissioners will now include in their annual statistical report the data people are looking for. That report will be published. We are not rejecting the amendment on the basis that we do not want the data put out there, but on the basis that the Revenue Commissioners' annual statistical report will provide the data anyway. I welcome more debate. We will have the opportunity for further debate on international financial services and how to attract companies here. We will have a new strategy, published by March and there will be an opportunity for Deputies on all sides of the House to put their cards on the table and say what kind of policy measures they think we pursue to attract more foreign direct investment, FDI, to this country and keep it here. I am not accepting the amendment on the basis that the Revenue Commissioners' annual statistical report will provide much of the data Deputy Pearse Doherty seeks. He can read it when it is available and if he has further questions we can continue to engage. It is welcome and appropriate that the information will be included in the report and that will provide more transparency.

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