Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to ask the Minister a question concerning companies which set up with this great knowledge. I congratulate the many innovators involved who deserve great credit as they take a lot of risks. I do not agree with Senator Higgins, however, that we are subsidising them by charging 6.25% corporation tax. They might not set up here but for such a thing, so one cannot describe it as being a subsidy. How does it operate on the ground if somebody from another country has a patent, or may develop more patents here? Can they move here, apply for the patent and establish their business here? Does the patent they had before they came here qualify, or is it only for ones that are developed for research and development here? I am referring to start-up companies that have patents and are willing to come here.Can they avail of this or does all of the patent and research and development work have to be carried out here from scratch?