Kevin Humphreys
Ceist:
144
Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the
Taoiseach
if he will consider streaming online the meetings of the Ireland’s Financial Services Centre clearing house and related subgroups and working groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24830/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Kevin Humphreys
Ceist:
145
Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the
Taoiseach
if any groups not currently represented on the International Financial Services Centre clearing house were asked to submit positions or policy papers to its discussions on a financial transaction tax; if he will accept submissions from other groups on this issue to the IFSC clearing house group; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24831/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Kevin Humphreys
Ceist:
146
Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the
Taoiseach
if he will in future report all discussions, submissions and reports related to the Ireland’s International Financial Services Centre clearing house group to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform to which his Department is accountable; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24833/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Kevin Humphreys
Ceist:
147
Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the
Taoiseach
if he will in future consider making the submissions, minutes and reports of the Ireland’s International Financial Services Centre clearing house available to the public through his Department’s website; his views that submissions and lobbying performed by companies, industry representatives and interested bodies related to the IFSC are made open to public scrutiny when the discussions at the clearing housegroup inform and affect public policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24834/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra
The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 to 147, inclusive, together. My Department has worked to ensure the continued development and success of the international financial services industry in Ireland since the launch of the IFSC in 1987 with the support of Government Departments, Agencies and the industry through the mechanism of the IFSC Clearing House Group (CHG) which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department. During this period, the IFSC has grown to employ 33,000 people and contributes over €1billion annually through corporation tax and payroll taxes. Last year the Clearing House Group assisted in the preparation of the Strategy for the International Financial Services Industry in Ireland 2011-2016 which sets the objectives of creating more than 10,000 net new jobs, protecting existing employment and consolidating the sector as a key driver of the Irish economy over the next five years. As the Deputy may be aware, I appear annually before a Select Sub Committee of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, most recently on 19 April 2012, where members had an opportunity to question me in relation to the revised estimates, outputs and impacts of the work of my Department. The Secretary General of my Department also appeared before the Public Accounts Committee on 3 May 2012 where members had the opportunity to question him about the role and work of the Department. As the Deputy is aware the legislative and policy framework for financial services including the international financial services industry and taxation policy are primarily the responsibility for the Minister for Finance and specific questions regarding these issues should be addressed to Minister Noonan and his Department. However, I am open and willing to exploring any additional mechanisms with regard to enhancing the accessibility of the deliberations of the IFSC Clearing House Group and have asked my Officials to consider the matter.
