Michael Finneran (Longford-Roscommon, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on the Finance Bill. I compliment the Minister and the Government on the Bill and on the major investment in the constituency of Roscommon and south Leitrim in recent years. I refer to the rural renewal scheme and decentralisation of the Land Registry to Roscommon, which is well on target with 36 of the 230 staff already there. I also welcome the decentralisation to Carrick-on-Shannon.

The Minister has brought in an innovative scheme to provide a tax break on tourism in the lower Shannon. I am extremely pleased that the south and mid-Roscommon area, including the town of Roscommon, is included in this scheme. It will be a major boost to economic activity along the River Shannon and the River Suck in County Roscommon. It will bring the major tourism developments which are necessary, such as marinas, health farms, restaurants and accommodation, to the lovely area between the two rivers. I compliment the Minister, Deputy Cowen, on this proposal. I also compliment the Roscommon county manager, Mr. John Tiernan, on the fine submission he made in support of this initiative in the lower Shannon area.

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