Taoiseach was warned Stripe co-founder was likely to be critical of Ireland's over-regulation

Ken Foxe

A briefing for the Taoiseach ahead of a “fireside chat” with Stripe warned the company’s co-founder, billionaire John Collison, was likely to be critical of Ireland’s bureaucracy and over-regulation.

It said Mr Collison was on record condemning “red tape” and how it was inhibiting delivery of housing, energy infrastructure, and transport.

The briefing said the Stripe billionaire was also likely to raise concerns about EU regulation, especially difficulties in accessing funding, adoption of AI, and restrictions from data protection law.

The document was prepared ahead of the opening of new Stripe offices early last month in Dublin.

In advance, Taoiseach Micheál Martin was given a series of “high-level messages” on the government’s deep commitment to improving Ireland’s competitiveness.

A page of suggested speaking points said the coalition was “investing in innovation” and pushing for “high quality digital services.”

It said: “The government is taking action to ensure that we have the right infrastructure in place and an adequate pipeline of development.

“We are also looking across legislation and regulations to ensure they are proportionate and fit for purpose.”

The briefing said the government was investing in critical infrastructure and that a new digital strategy was due in the coming months.

It explained Ireland needed to be “more open to new technologies and to innovation” and increase investment so there could be more “global champions” like Stripe.

The speaking notes added: “First and foremost, we must look inward and in Ireland we are taking a whole-of-government approach to domestic drivers of competitiveness – looking at: industrial policy, reducing the cost and regulatory burden on business, investing in infrastructure, digital regulation and reform and energy reform.”

The briefing said it was critical that Ireland and the EU “get the balance right” between innovation and regulation.

It said Ireland would be a “strong advocate in Europe for a balanced approach to digital regulation” with like-minded member states.

The Taoiseach’s briefing ran to more than twenty-five pages for the pre-arranged one-on-one “fireside chat” between him and John Collison.

Micheál Martin’s personal staff had earlier sought clarity on what topics would be discussed and who would MC the event.

Emails from Stripe said there would be no moderator and they would be “happy to agree on any topics the Taoiseach would like to touch upon.”

Stripe suggested the overarching theme should be Ireland’s role on the world stage with themes including geopolitical uncertainty, the then-forthcoming presidential election, and foreign investment.

A message from the payments firm said: “I propose if agreeable I come back to you in a couple of weeks with a draft list of questions for your review?”

Another email said: “Rather than speeches, we would propose a short fireside chat between An Taoiseach and John Collison and will work with you in advance on the questions.”

Records released by the Department of the Taoiseach reveal as well that Mr Collison wrote a personal note of congratulations to Mr Martin on his appointment in February.

In it, he said he hoped they could meet to “exchange views on your Programme for Government and where Stripe can support.”

Mr Collison also said he welcomed the government’s commitment to develop Ireland as “a Park to build and grow a business.”

His message added: “We would be delighted to lend our expertise where helpful over the coming years.”