Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will introduce a special tax incentive scheme due to the loss of approximately 1,000 jobs in north Mayo in the past five years and the lack of economic development in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13469/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's taxation policy is designed to maximise the employment and economic benefits of industrial development by creating an attractive climate for investment. In this respect, Ireland offers one of the most beneficial corporate tax environments in the EU with a corporation tax rate of 12.5% applying since 1 January 2003. This is a general measure which applies across the board to companies located in all areas and regions in the State. As such, it does not conflict with EU state aid rules. A proposal to offer tax incentives to companies in a specific region or specific towns would be state aid and would have to be examined and approved by the EU Commission.