DUBLIN (Reuters), – The global tax settlement will have no impact on Alphabet (NASDAQ)’s Irish operations, as Google is committed to investing in the country and adding employees to its European hub. This was stated by Chief Executive Sundar Pichai Thursday.

Last year, 136 countries provided the first significant overhaul of taxing multinationals’ rules. Measures to be implemented included a 15% minimum tax rate, which is intended to deter companies from making profits in countries with low taxes.

After decades of relying on 12.5% as a rate for global corporations like Google, Ireland’s government decided to accept the deal.

Pichai said that the changes in tax laws had “no impact” on its plans to invest.

Ireland is an exceptional country. We have the chance to draw the top talent from the sector. It will play a critical role in Europe and the driving force of transatlantic cooperation. We are very dedicated as a company.”

Google has over 9,000 employees in Ireland, and Pichai stated that it is committed to growing this number.

Pichai had just met Leo Varadkar (Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister), who was leading an Irish Trade Mission to the West Coast.

Varadkar stated that after meeting with both Apple (NASDAQ)’s Chief Executive Tim Cook, and Microsoft (NASDAQ)’s President Brad Smith he expects them to join other Irish companies in increasing their presence over the next few years.

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