It is important that we come back to reality. We are paying out €50 million in social welfare every day. That is the reality. Since we started here this morning, €2.5 million has been paid out in social welfare.

Has Senator Colm Burke a question to the Leader?

It relates to Apple and the contribution the company has made. Apple is not only paying 12.5% corporation tax. It is also paying commercial rates, VAT and all of the other taxes. The company also pays ESB when it purchases electricity. It pays for the employment it provides. If Senators want to have a debate on this matter, let us have a debate but let us also take into account the contribution that this company is making, particularly in the Cork area, and all like companies are making in areas around the country. It is important that we put it into perspective as regards the contribution they make.

I will touch slightly on the matter relating to the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter. Senators should revisit the series "Love/Hate" to see the real issues in criminal activity in this country-----

I call Senator Noone.

The Minister is not in it, is he?

-----rather than spending the time here discussing this issue.

Senator Colm Burke should resume his seat. I call Senator Noone.

It is about time the Senators came back to reality.

I support the other Senators on the issue of Apple. Clearly, the reputation of Ireland is at stake. It is timely. We are lucky that the Taoiseach is coincidentally in Europe today. He will be able to make statements on the issue and, hopefully, clarify the matter, as has been done by this Government in the more recent past on many other issues, so that our reputation can be corrected, restored and enhanced.

I support the call of Senators for a Minister to travel to the United States. It is unrealistic to think that any US Senators will come to this House but it is within our gift to send one of the Ministers to the United States to clearly state the position.

The fact is we are the envy of many of our neighbours. We do compete on tax grounds. However, the CEO of Apple made other important points as to why the company does business in Ireland. It is not only on tax grounds, and we need to highlight those points. I refer to Ireland's educated workforce, proximity to Europe and advantageous location even when it comes to the Middle East and the rest of the world. It is not only on tax grounds that we compete and we need to remember that. Given that there are so many multinationals here creating employment, there is no benefit in us bashing our tax system, which has been a reason, but not the only one, to get investment here. My understanding is that our tax system is transparent. I would welcome a debate on it here in this House in the near future so that we can dispel any view of Ireland as a tax haven.