Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not comment on specific tax issues but I will answer Deputy Burton's questions to the extent that I can. The issue raised by the Deputy pertains to the roles tax relief schemes play in promoting economic and social development. She referred to a review which I asked to be conducted and which recommends that in the future, consideration should be given to tax incentive schemes on the basis of their being time limited and specific. I certainly see merit in that recommendation.

I do not intend stating what I propose to do in the forthcoming budget. The review took place during my tenure and I have sought to introduce measures to deal with the situation, while recognising that it is not a matter of being opposed to tax incentive schemes per se but of ensuring we target the incentivisation in our tax policies towards new priorities or areas that are now regarded as required in the present economic circumstances.

See this speech in context