Taoiseach welcomes G8 tax plan

The Taoiseach has had to defend Ireland's tax policy at the G8 summit in Fermanagh.

While the issue of tax was a central matter at this year's summit, the government had denied that Ireland's tax regime would be specifically addressed.

Today's G8's 10-point concluding communiqué, named the Lough Erne Declaration, says that countries have agreed to 'change rules allowing shifting of profits across borders in order to avoid tax'.

The Taoiseach says he welcomes the plan, and will agree to principles behind it.

"I was able to recount for Ireland's tax position to the leaders," he said.

"But I strongly welcome the 10-point plan, and while we are not a member of the G8 this is part of the principle that Ireland have been aggressively pursuing during our presidency of the (European) Council in regard to tax evasion, tax fraud and tax transparency.