Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not see anything in the amendment that dictates which parts of the country things would take place in. The amendment says this is a substantial tax expenditure. It allows for a shortening of tax from 12.5% to 6.25%. It is a significant expense that may well be worthwhile but we need to evaluate its benefits. The amendment seeks to simply say we should have ongoing cost-benefit analysis and I have tabled similar amendments that we will reach later.

Today a Senator highlighted here that technical colleges have done tremendous work to drive research, and I have raised this matter before. I am concerned that technical colleges do not receive public funding for research. There is an overall issue with using public funding for research. Despite technical colleges not receiving public funding that would allow them to access other funding, they have developed fabulous partnerships with organisations and companies to develop innovation and technology. It would be appropriate for us to see how the benefits are spread out and how they complement and dovetail with the public research agenda.

There are questions not just in terms of geography. We must bear in mind the recent indicators from the main research bodies in Ireland about gender equality. It would be appropriate for the Oireachtas to have an opportunity to review and discuss how this provision works out, whether it is the best measure and whether we want to think about a more nuanced measure down the line that might serve the purpose.

Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland have a long established practice to consider and support targeted development. The initiative does not interfere with the market. We give the benefit to companies and, therefore, it is appropriate that the Minister ensures that the measure leverages the maximum possible benefit to society. I support the amendment.