John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Lawless for the amendment. Of course I understand the concerns that lie behind the attempt to ensure legal certainty for companies availing of this new certification scheme. However, the amendment of Deputy Lawless relates to the provision of the Revenue guidance document. The Bill deals with the process for the certification scheme before the Irish Patents Office. The Controller of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks will be responsible for the operation and administration of the knowledge development box certification scheme.

However, I am happy to confirm to Deputy Lawless that the controller fully intends to issue guidance in the operation of the certification scheme. In his guidance, the controller will provide more in-depth information on the process of making an application before the office.

Moreover, Revenue has already published detailed guidelines on the administration of the knowledge development box scheme following the introduction of the scheme in January 2016. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide certainty for taxpayers seeking relief under the scheme. Following enactment of the Bill, Revenue is committed to issue further guidelines on how the assets under the certification scheme will be dealt with by the agency.

I trust the Deputy can see that his concerns are being addressed without the need for an amendment, since the issue is being taken care of in the normal administration procedures.

We spoke about this on Committee Stage. I understand the well-intentioned nature of the amendment. I wish to draw the attention of Deputy Lawless and other Deputies to a research and development discussion group set up by Revenue. It aims to bring greater certainty to the administration of the scheme, the research and development tax credit scheme and the knowledge development box. This forum will enable Revenue, taxpayers and representative business organisations to raise and address the issues affecting the administration of the scheme. If the Deputy is interested in obtaining further detail on how the process works or on the forum, I would be delighted to provide it.

Having examined the matter, I am absolutely confident that the matters are covered by the research and development tax credit scheme for Revenue, taxpayers, those representing business and so on. I keep making the point that I have input at all stages. I can monitor and see exactly what is happening with the development of the scheme. I can do so on a weekly basis, if necessary.

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