Vol. 450 No. 8
35 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the measures, if any, that are being taken to develop trade between Ireland and the Israel-Palestine area in the context of the imminent signing of a double taxation agreement between our two jurisdictions. [5878/95]
Double taxation agreements facilitate the development of trade and they are also important for other areas of economic activity, particularly investment. Ireland's economic relations with Israel have reached the stage where a double taxation agreement is warranted, and negotiations on a draft treaty, which are primarily a matter for the Revenue Commissioners, are well under way. When concluded it is expected that the agreement will play an important part in the ongoing development of all aspects of our economic relations, and enhance the impact of our existing trade promotion resources in the region.
As part of its overall strategy to develop trade with the Israel-Palestine area An Bord Tráchtála's programme for 1995 includes a specialised trade mission to the region. The mission is being organised in conjunction with the EU-sponsored "Medpartenariat" trade and business forum which is being held in Israel next October and at which companies and organisations from both Israel and the Palestinian autonomous area will be participating.
