I had an interesting consultation this week with a newcomer to Ireland.
He intends setting up an office here in Ireland, buying property, employing staff and running a business.
He has a number of high-level questions about
- The law in Ireland
- The police force
- The tax system
- Employment law
- Buying property
From my perspective it was a valuable exercise to have to think about these matters and explain them to an outsider.
For example, many people will claim that the tax system in Ireland is unfair, in favour of the fat cats, anti-business, and so forth.
On the other hand, reputable institutions and publications who publish independent data, league tables, and analysis about tax systems EU and worldwide recognise Ireland as having one of the more progressive tax systems.
I pointed out the similarity between the common law systems of law in Ireland and the United Kingdom but also identified a different approach to applying the laws on our statute books.
I hope it was useful for him.
I know I got as much from the consultation as I had to rethink my views on many broad issues and have a conversation with a visitor from outer space, so to speak.