Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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97. To ask the Minister for Finance if papers (details supplied) were discussed at the last EU Council meeting. [47896/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Paradise Papers were discussed in the November ECOFIN meeting in the context of the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes.

There is widespread consensus in recent years that aggressive tax planning can only be prevented by all countries acting together.

Member States of the EU agreed last year to draw up a list of countries who do not live up to international best practice on tax. Criteria were agreed by Member States early in 2017 which are based on agreed international standards and also require a closer examination of zero tax jurisdictions.

At this point in time, experts from the Member States have reviewed the jurisdictions and come to a preliminary analysis. In late October, letters issued to jurisdictions informing them of the outcome of this analysis.  At EU level, we are engaging with jurisdictions where issues have been identified and have obtained commitment by a number of jurisdictions to review these issues and make changes to their tax systems.

I am confident that the list can be agreed at ECOFIN on 5 December.