News & Events

New Legal Advice Service launched for Exporters

21 September 2006

The Irish Exporters Association in conjunction with business law firm, Mason Hayes & Curran, have today launched a new service aimed at assisting Irish companies involved in International trade. Known as the "First Query Legal Advice Service", this service will give exporters immediate access to expert legal advice on the real issues that are affecting the Irish exporting industry.

Recent reports of Glaxosmithkline settling a transfer pricing tax dispute with the IRS for $3.1 billion has brought attention to the pitfalls and complexities facing exporters in trading internationally. This case, which is the largest tax dispute in the history of the IRS, involves intercompany transactions between GSK and certain foreign affiliates relating to various GSK "heritage" pharmaceutical products.

According to John Whelan, Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association;

“Irish companies are faced with a mind-boggling array of laws, directives and regulations when trading across borders. It is becoming a minefield for Irish exporters, particularly SMEs, to ensure that they are compliant with all regulations.  In many cases such as tariff classifications, there are numerous grey areas faced by companies, where it is impossible to be 100% certain that a measure is adhering to the various regulations”.

The “First Query Legal Advice Service” is designed to give exporters immediate access to expert legal advice on all topics affecting the export industry including maritime law, foreign debt recovery and international trade contracts. It is expected that the service will assist companies to make an early diagnosis of the root of any particular problems and assist them to determine the first steps necessary.

Rory Kirrane a partner at Mason Hayes & Curran said, “we are delighted to be involved with the Irish Exporters’ Association and the First Query Legal Advice Service.  As a law firm we see the issues that exporters face on a day to day basis and realise that by identifying issues early in the process can save exporters a lot of time, money and heartache”.

For further information please contact:

Dr Brian Hunt, Mason Hayes & Curran
Tel: 01 614 5000

or alternatively please call:

Mr. John Whelan, Chief Executive, IEA
Tel: 01-661 2182 Mobile: 087 927 1243