American Chamber of Commerce welcomes Budget

Joanne Richardson, Chief Executive of The American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland welcomed the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan’s restated commitment to Ireland’s 12.5% corporation tax rate.

“It is imperative that the Government continues to restate its commitment to maintaining the 12.5% corporation tax rate to reassure and provide certainty to Ireland’s investment community.

"Given the continued debate in Europe on Ireland’s competitive tax regime, the Government must continue to stand firm on this issue and resist pressure for change from within the European Union.

"Today’s budget speech recognised the importance of Ireland’s export sector to our economic recovery. The latest Forfás statistics confirm that 91% of Ireland’s exports are created by the multinational sector, emphasising the importance of foreign direct investment to Ireland’s economy.

"It is important that we maintain the climate which continues to attract this much needed investment to Ireland."