Enda Kenny: Door ‘open’ to US business leaders

The Taoiseach has been driving home the message that Ireland is “not a tax haven” during the first day of his US visit, but told a group of influential American business leaders yesterday that they had an “open door” to the Irish Government.

Enda Kenny told a gathering of the US Chamber of Commerce that “reputational damage” has been done to Ireland by the “stateless company” concept which allowed companies avoid tax by routing profits through Ireland. He said this loophole was done away with in last October’s budget.

“I want to make it very clear that Ireland does not comply with any of the four criteria for tax haven status. Out rate is consistent, it is across the board, it applies to all sectors across the country.”