Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish all Senators a happy new year. My first question for the Leader is on Ireland's international taxation strategies and policies. A recent article by Carl O'Brien in The Irish Times revealed, through a freedom of information request, that the Department of Finance authored a document entitled Principal Risks to Ireland's Corporation Tax Strategy, in which it outlines significant concerns that international moves to tackle tax avoidance could make it less attractive for multinational companies to locate here. Mr. O'Brien's article lifted the veil on internal Department of Finance discussions. I suspect the Minister's decision in the most recent budget to close a loophole on stateless companies arose from a recommendation made in the Department's report. Is one budgetary measure sufficient to address the potential for reputational damage to Ireland arising from these matters? Should we not plan for international moves on anti-abuse taxation measures for multinational companies? These are urgent issues.

As we begin a year in which we have a real chance for recovery, where is the parliamentary oversight of this issue? Where is the matter being investigated? I understand the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform has established a sub-committee on global taxation. Is the sub-committee examining this issue? Has it commenced an investigation? If so, when will it be completed? Who is appearing before the sub-committee as witnesses? Will the chief executives of multinational companies come before it? If not, why not?

On Seanad reform, I agree with one point made by Senator Paul Coghlan in an opinion piece written for The Irish Times earlier this month in which he stated that we need to focus on how the Seanad can operate effectively as a key element in our participatory parliamentary democracy and that we owe it to the people to ensure this happens. I am concerned, however, by the implication later in the article that constitutional change may be required to reform the system of nominating and electing Senators, as that is not the case. I understand the Committee on Procedure and Privileges is to review and produce recommendations for procedural reforms of the Seanad. When I was doing various media interviews earlier in the week following the publication of a document by Democracy Matters, I was repeatedly asked what the Seanad is doing to reform itself.

What is the Seanad doing to reform itself? I understand the Committee on Procedure and Privileges will be meeting after the Order of Business. Will the issue be discussed in that context? I ask the Leader to set out the process and timeframe for how we will decide for ourselves how our business can be more effective and efficient in 2014, 2015 and 2016.