Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 56: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has had contacts with the new administration in the United States in view of reports that proposed tax changes may impact on US investment here and the possible consequences for job creation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13350/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The relationship between Ireland and the United States is unique in terms of our political, economic and cultural links. The Government and I attach the highest importance to strengthening that relationship and in consolidating and growing the economic partnership between our two countries. That partnership has contributed enormously to the very significant trade and investment ties with the United States. These ties benefit us both and generate investment and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

We are always mindful of the need to continually update and renew the links between our two countries. This is especially important at this time in terms of the new US Administration. In that respect I want to assure the Deputy that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, through the Embassy in Washington, has been monitoring and responding to all proposals for policy initiatives which could potentially impact on the Irish economy. Together with the Department of Finance we also work in close collaboration with the Embassy in seeking to address various policy proposals including those in relation to taxation which could affect foreign direct investment in Ireland. Issues that may have implications for Ireland are subject to focussed discussion with US policymakers within the overall framework of a shared commitment to promoting the consolidation and growth of our economic relationship.

There has been a lot of discussion around the potential impact on Ireland of changes in US international taxation policy. The new Administration has not given any real indication of its main focus in terms of international taxation and therefore it has not been possible to determine if there are consequences for job creation. However, any re-evaluation cannot ignore the substantial real two-way investment between our countries nor indeed the importance of international taxation policy to the competitiveness of US companies seeking to grow their business in Europe and beyond. We will be working to ensure that such considerations feed into the new Administration's deliberations in terms of the development of its international taxation policy. The recent Saint Patrick day meetings in Washington afforded us further opportunities to put forward our case in a considered and informed manner.