Charlie McCreevy (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

The buildings have been considered under separate sections for a number of reasons. Expenditure on building a laboratory would constitute research and development, so it would have to be allowed. The relief would be distorted, however, if such expenditure was considered with the research and development activity. One would be able to claim it all back in one year, for example. One will be able to claim it over four years. The construction costs will be considered separately from the other research and development activities to prevent the problems about which Senator McDowell's colleague was worried. The company may decide, after a few years, to turn the research and development facility into a dance hall, although I cannot imagine why it would.