Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue, which we discussed on Committee Stage. As he was good enough to acknowledge, the changes we made in this area were broadly welcomed by the SME sector. These particular changes followed on from consultation we had with the SME sector and that my officials had with them before the summer.

We have followed up on this issue in the context of holding companies. This amendment refers to holding companies and either it or a later amendment raises the issue about whether returns are needed to be declared by companies in order to access this relief. We have not got the feedback to date that further change is required in the Bill in the context of the areas to which the Deputy refers. However, if that were to change and if after the implementation of these changes next year, we are still not delivering the objectives we need in the KEEP scheme, I am certainly open to examining whether further change in respect of the scheme would be needed. Deputies Michael McGrath, Pearse Doherty and others made the point that access to and drawdown in respect of the KEEP scheme have fallen short of the objectives we set. We are seeking to make the scheme more open and to ensure that it is used to a greater degree. The changes we have made are going in the right direction and will deliver that objective. While we have not received feedback, we followed up on the points raised, If the position were to change, I would certainly be open to examining whether further change in the scheme is needed.

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