Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Yes. As a State, we are saying we want to protect shareholders, which are probably family businesses. I do not understand it and believe it is unfair, particularly to Irish based companies. I can think of a number of companies to which it applies. It should not apply to family businesses or private companies.

I mentioned that I had said on Second Stage that I understood that many of the big international listed companies would have established Irish bases in order to operate in Ireland. I understand now that is not so and that they do not have to operate here or establish an Irish company. The provision does not apply to companies based outside the State, even if they are competing with Irish companies. I urge the Minister of State to give serious consideration to accepting my amendments which are clearly aimed at large family businesses which must often compete with non-Irish companies.