The US Ambassador to Ireland says that international companies wishing to locate here should take into account considerations other than tax.
Ambassador Kevin O'Malley was speaking at the Irish United States Alumni Association conference today, which recognises Irish people that have contributed to relations between Ireland and the US.
He said his mandate from President Obama was to strengthen US-Ireland relations particularly in the areas of trade and innovation.
He also said Ireland's corporate tax rate is its own business.
The comments follow years of criticism from some US politicians in relation to Ireland's low corporate tax regime:
Ambassador O'Malley also said there is great reason to be optimistic in Ireland today: