Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As I said, I welcome the fact we are moving to 30% for the research and development tax credit, which will partly address the issue, because the more of our smaller micro companies that are involved in research and development, the better. Is there a particular reason the Department did not look at the system in the North? Perhaps it did look at it. It uses a different template and process for applying for the credit. Why it is not being introduced in the Finance Bill? Is it something the Minister will keep under active consideration?

As a result of talking to businesses and business representative bodies, I am aware that this is one of their concerns. Maybe that is flagged up in the consultation. I am not sure since I am not familiar with the report. It is being said to me directly. Those who administer applications for research and development for companies on both sides of the Border will state that the process here is difficult and challenging compared with that which applies in the North.