asked the Minister for Finance if he can give the following information in connection with double taxation: (1) with what countries there are already agreements, (2) with what countries agreements are pending and what stage they are at, with particular reference to Germany, Holland, Belgium, the Scandinavian countries and Canada, (3) with what countries it is intended to endeavour to negotiate agreements, and (4) whether double taxation for estate duty is covered by all agreements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Double Taxation Agreements.
5.
(1) There are comprehensive agreements for the avoidance of double taxation of income with Great Britain, the United States of America, Canada, Sweden, the Federal Republic of Germany and Denmark.
(2) Agreements are pending with France, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Negotiations with France and Austria were concluded some time ago. The proposed agreements with these countries are in the final stages. Negotiations for agreements with the Netherlands and Switzerland are well advanced.
(3) It is stated in the Second Programme for Economic Expansion that consonant with modern international thought, the Government have, in recent years, been actively pursuing a policy of increasing the number of our international double taxation agreements. It is intended to negotiate such agreements with Italy, Belgium, Finland and countries further afield as soon as it is possible to make arrangements for the necessary discussions. It is expected that formal discussions with Italy will be opened later this year. Belgium, it is understood, does not expect to be in a position to negotiate any new agreements for some time.
(4) The agreements to which I have referred do not cover death duties. There are separate double taxation relief arrangements in relation to death duties with Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Members of the British Commonwealth, the United States of America and Canada.