Seanad debates

Wednesday, 23 March 2005

Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages.

 

3:00 pm

Photo of Paul BradfordPaul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I support my colleague's comments on this issue. It is difficult to see what response the Minister of State can offer for the exclusion of tax relief on psychiatric units. The tax relief scheme afforded for the provision of broader medical facilities has worked well. While my information derives mainly from media reports, examples such as the hospital project in Galway are progressive in the construction of top class facilities. If the Minister of State would be reasonable to make a concession on this, it would be of assistance in providing required facilities in this area.

Irrespective of whether the tax relief is for car parks, student accommodation, hotels or hospitals, construction will only occur if such projects are required. If additional units to help in the assessment and treatment of psychiatric illness are required and the State is not willing to invest sufficient moneys in such projects, private investment should be encouraged. The philosophical debate about whether State or private money should be invested in the health service is irrelevant. Investment from either the taxpayer or private funding is required. If people can be encouraged to invest in any aspect of health care and provision by way of tax relief, that direction should be taken. I hope the Minister of State will respond favourably to the recommendation.

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