Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will report on current tax arrangements between Ireland and offshore banking locations in Europe including the Isle of Man, the Channel Isles, Gibraltar, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Andorra in relation to offshore bank deposits of Irish tax fugitives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40421/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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In order to improve access to bank information held offshore and to promote international co-operation in tax matters I can advise the Deputy that Tax Information Exchange Agreements are in force with the Isle of Man, Jersey, Liechtenstein and Gibraltar. An Agreement with Guernsey has been concluded and ratified by Ireland. It will come into force when it has been ratified by Guernsey. A Tax Information Exchange Agreement has yet to be concluded with Andorra although that jurisdiction has given a commitment to meet the OECD's standards on exchange of information for tax purposes.

In addition, I can also advise the Deputy that a protocol to the Ireland Switzerland Double Taxation Agreement has recently been agreed which incorporates a new article on exchange of information which will permit access to bank information. These new agreements and arrangements allow the Revenue Commissioners to make enquiries in relation to any Irish taxpayer where there is evidence that offshore accounts have been used to facilitate tax evasion.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Finance if has investigated any offshore banking arrangements based in Gibraltar organised to evade or avoid Irish employee or contractor tax and PRSI contributions; the steps he is taking to bring such tax avoidance and or evasion to an end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40422/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has a Tax Information Exchange Agreement with Gibraltar which is in effect from the beginning of this year. This covers direct taxes (income tax, corporation tax and capital gains tax), capital acquisitions tax and value added tax. It enables the Revenue Commissioners to request information that is relevant to a tax investigation. This includes information in relation to bank accounts and ownership information for companies. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible, from the information provided, to identify the types of Gibraltar banking arrangements to which the Deputy refers. If the Deputy has any further information, the Revenue Commissioners would be anxious to follow up on it.