Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Many of my colleagues from Northern Ireland, whom I know and work with, are working and operating down here, making the south of Ireland their headquarters. If this is so, they are obliged to pay only 12.5% corporation tax. The same applies to the multinationals now using Ireland as a base for right across Europe. Ireland forms the headquarters for many companies with regard to research and development, marketing and accounting. Such companies have to pay only 12.5% in corporation tax.

These Government initiatives, along with directives from Europe, help our economy significantly. This is one of the strong points for our fellow citizens in the North when seeking to set up here in the long term. If we all spoke from our hearts, we would love to see our island united in education, the economy and many other ways. I know we will see that day before we pass on to our eternal reward.

Senator Regan again pointed to the old chestnut, as he has an agenda which is being directed by colleagues.