Ireland's corporation tax rate likely to dominate meeting between Taoiseach and French president

Fiachra O Cionnaith in Paris

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is currently holding talks with French president Emmanuel Macron in a meeting set to be dominated by Brexit and a fresh row over Ireland's coproration tax rate.

The Taoiseach arrived at the Elysee Palace in Paris shortly before 11.30am this morning and is expected to hold a press briefing alongside Mr Macron this afternoon.

The talks are the first bilateral meeting between the pair, who both swept to power earlier this year amid a wave of younger leaders across Europe.

However, despite a friendly welcome from Mr Macron this morning, the meeting is likely to be dominated by the ongoing impact of Brexit on the EU and a fresh row between Ireland and France over our corporation tax rate.

Last week, Mr Macron said there must be a new levy on digital companies based in certain countries, in a clear reference to Ireland's ability to attract multi-national giants like Facebook, LinkedIn and Google.

However, Mr Varadkar responded by saying any extra levies should be Europe-wide, limiting the risk of any damage to Ireland.