Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to protect Irish interests in the context of proposals to change US taxation rules for multinational companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4753/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Throughout the US Presidential election campaign and into the new Administration and Congress, the Embassy in Washington, in close coordination with the IDA, has been monitoring all proposals for policy initiatives which could potentially impact on the Irish economy. This includes proposals in relation to taxation which could affect foreign direct investment in Ireland.

Where an issue is identified as having specific implications for Ireland, it is subject to focused discussion with U.S. policymakers during which the US side are made fully aware of Irish concerns. My Department works closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Finance in this regard and our Embassy in Washington engages on an ongoing basis with the US Congress and its relevant Committees as well as the US Treasury Department. These exchanges take place within the overall framework of a shared commitment to promoting the consolidation and growth of the economic partnership between the United States and Ireland. This partnership will be a strong theme in the upcoming visit of the Taoiseach to the United States over the St. Patrick's Day period.