Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On the EII, the additional documentation provided by the institute states that the cap of €150,000 is not working. The cap of £1 million on the equivalent scheme in the United Kingdom is mentioned. The institute is calling for the cap in Ireland to be raised to a similar amount. The documentation also mentions its extension in terms of the universal social charge, USC, and pay-related social insurance, PRSI. What impact would that have? There are other issues to be considered in terms of the backlog in processing the incentive. Must all elements come together for it to work effectively or should some recommendations be fast-tracked?

On the importance of human capital, as mentioned by Ms Gunnell, I acknowledge that the Government has spoken on the issue. The witnesses' written submission states, "The Government’s National Planning Framework also acknowledges the role of human capital, seeing it as “central to Ireland’s success and our economic and social development"." The employee share option scheme brought in by budget 2018 is one of the measures implemented by the Government to try to recognise the importance of that human capita. What impact has that had or is it too early to say?

A question I have asked all witnesses today regards whether we have a broad enough tax base in this country and, if not, where is the potential for us to broaden it?