Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 84: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the suggestion from Chambers Ireland to raise the ceiling of business expansion schemes pertaining to SMEs from the current €1 million to €10 million to assist start ups and foster the development of wealth creating enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37941/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A review of the Business Expansion Scheme by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Revenue Commissioners is currently being finalised.

Any decisions on the scheme's remit will be taken in the light of the objectives of assisting risk investments, the cost of the scheme, the benefits gained and the equity of the reliefs involved. Any proposals in this regard are a matter for the forthcoming Budget. I would refer the Deputy to the longstanding practice of Ministers for Finance not to comment on what may or may not be contained in upcoming Budgets. I do not intend to depart from that approach.