Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)

The Minister mentioned at the time of the budget that he would be conducting reviews. Is he reviewing every available concession or tax break? Are they all eligible for review at this time? He indicated that one consultancy firm is examining urban and rural renewal schemes and another is examining other types of schemes. Has the Minister initiated a review of all the schemes that are in place? Are other consultancy firms involved in the review, apart from the two he mentioned?

The Tánaiste recently indicated that she was in favour of extending the tax breaks available in the health sector. How does that knit with the Minister's stated intention to curtail tax breaks available for very rich people? Has he discussed the matter with the Tánaiste or the Cabinet? Perhaps the Minister could indicate who might win that particular battle. If one invests equity of €75,000 in the health sector one is guaranteed a cash profit of €62,760. Does the Minister agree that taxpayers should facilitate such returns to obviously very rich people?

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