Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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95. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of any agreement reached with Taiwan regarding the avoidance of double taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30984/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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It is my policy to treat plans or negotiations for double taxation agreements as confidential until they are signed, at which point they are published on Revenue's website. This is a normal practice for most jurisdictions, which respects the confidential nature of the negotiation process.

Ireland, along with all EU partners, adheres to the "One China" policy and as a result does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. This does not, however, preclude the development of economic and trade relations. Ireland, together with our EU partners, sees the benefit of encouraging trade with Taiwan and will continue to explore all appropriate opportunities which arise.

Since Taiwan is not recognised as a State by Ireland we cannot enter into a legally enforceable agreement which would be governed by international law. However a number of other EU countries have negotiated commercial agreements with Taiwan along the lines of Double Taxation Agreements. Section 79 of Finance Act 2015 does make it possible to negotiate such an agreement with Taiwan.

While there has been contact with the Taiwanese authorities on potentially entering into such a commercial agreement, no negotiations have taken place with any representatives of Taiwan in relation to a potential agreement.