Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. He quoted some figures which I will take on board. The World Bank's annual Doing Business report measures and tracks changes in regulations affecting business. Ireland has achieved an ease of doing business ranking of 17 out of 189 economies. That is up two places from the previous year.

The Deputy also asked about tax and, obviously, it is hugely important. UK tax issues are a matter for the UK administration and Parliament. However, we are working on it with the Department of Finance. Our competitive 12.5% corporate tax is underpinned by a competitive regime. That 12.5% rate sticks; it is absolutely written in stone. Our world class research and development tax credit and our best in class OECD compliant knowledge development box are there to make sure that we are competitive. Our low rate applied to a broad base ensures sustainable economic growth which will maintain tax revenues. Ireland's foreign direct investment policy, of which tax is but one part, has attracted real and substantive operations to Ireland - the kind that brings real jobs. We have has an enviable track record. Ireland's transparent and competitive tax regime and our membership of the EU continue to provide a certainty that is valued by business. Ireland has an English speaking business environment, ease of doing business and access to talent and consistently performs well on key international indices. Ireland has a certain, stable and competitive offering. Ireland is, and will remain, a member of the EU and the euro zone.

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