Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 June 2019

Wednesday, 12 June 2019

Ceisteanna (69, 70, 71)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

69. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if taxation was discussed when he met with President Trump. [24446/19]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

70. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if corporation tax was discussed when he met with President Trump recently. [24447/19]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

71. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if foreign direct investment was discussed when he met with President Trump recently. [24448/19]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 to 71, inclusive, together.

The President and I did not have a detailed discussion about corporation tax. Before our meeting got underway, the President did comment, in response to a question from the media, that both Ireland and the US have competitive corporation tax rates. In our discussions, we did discuss economic matters generally and I reaffirmed that Ireland’s economic development strategy is focused on attracting inward investment of substance, in terms of job creation, and that the Government is committed to ensuring that companies pay their fair share of tax.

President Trump and I also discussed international trade, including foreign direct investment. We welcomed the increasingly two-way economic relationship between Ireland and the United States. Today in the US, Irish-owned companies employ more than 100,000 workers across all 50 States. Meanwhile, there are 550 US firms with operations in Ireland, employing approximately 155,000 people. The President recognised the advantages of Ireland as a location for investment by US multinationals seeking to access the European market.