Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As a small open economy, responding to external factors of change is not new to us - and Ireland's economic growth since the Action Plan for Jobs was first introduced has been impressive. The unemployment rate is now 6 percent, and well over 2 million people working every day. 

There have been significant global developments over recent years that present considerable challenge. These include developments in relation to international tax as well as Brexit and potential changes in US policies. Nevertheless, we need to remain ambitious and to continue to implement policies that support economic growth. 

More specifically in relation to your question, the issue of tax planning by multinational companies is a global problem that requires a global solution.  Ireland continues to take an active role in global work to reform the international corporate tax system. An update on Ireland’s International Tax Strategy was published with Budget 2018 and provides concrete evidence of the measures already undertaken by Ireland to ensure that we continue to meet the highest international standards in corporation tax.  Ireland’s regime continues to provide certainty, is stable and competitive and is internationally recognised as one of the most transparent in the world.

That said, it is important to recognise that tax is just one aspect of Ireland’s offering.  Our enterprise policies ensure that Ireland offers a compelling location from which to do business, both for our indigenous companies and for foreign direct investment. Our policy focus is based on delivering real economic substance - underpinned by a supportive business environment, investments in innovation, access to the skills needed by enterprise in the 21st century and internationally recognised clusters in key sectors.   

As a small open economy, Ireland operates in an environment of continuous and fast-paced change globally. Through the work of the enterprise development agencies we continue to scan the horizon for new market opportunities. We support our enterprises to build capabilities to innovate, to develop new products and services and to compete effectively internationally.  We support our indigenous enterprises to diversify export markets. We continuously seek out new sources of FDI and aim to build further on 'new names', new source countries and opportunities presented post Brexit.

Ireland has proven its abilities in the past to adapt and respond to external drivers of change. Today's environment is perhaps one of the most challenging Ireland has experienced for some time.  I have asked my executives to undertake a review of Enterprise 2025 in this context and to report early 2018.

I want to ensure that our enterprise policies remain robust, that we deepen resilience and are prepared for whatever challenges come our way. It is not necessarily easy - but I am confident that we have an excellent track record, strong technology-rich Irish owned companies, and an attractive location from which to trade internationally. We have a strong basis for continued growth over the next decade.  In order to succeed, we need to ensure that our policies are adaptive, our enterprises competitive and our Government system agile.