Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is one of the things we are trying to do for the long-term unemployed and I hope it will work. If one sees it in combination with what we discussed before the break, it makes sense. If a carpenter is long-term unemployed and has a friend or a brother who has another skill in the building industry, rather than seeking work from another contractor, they can decide to set up as small contractors and do the work that is eligible for the tax credit. One can see how that would work in a rural or urban community. They do not have to incorporate. They have the tools of the trade. They would register with Revenue and then look for work. As the tax relief is up to €40,000 on income tax, they can earn up to €40,000 in two consecutive years without having an income tax liability. That might be a better route back for people with building skills rather than seeking employment from another contractor. We will see how it works. I envisage the two working in tandem. That is not to say the home extension scheme is the only outlet, but it is an obvious one.