Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Finance when he will, in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, conduct the cost-benefit analysis into the amendment of the research and development tax credit regime; the timeframe for the completion of this analysis; if this analysis will incorporate the reform of R&D supports available to the digital game industry; the way the R&D supports available to the digital game industry will be reformed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5868/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government (Government for National Recovery 2011-2016) contains a commitment to amend the R&D tax credit scheme in a number of ways, subject to the outcome of a cost benefit analysis. I would envisage that it would be feasible to carry out the required cost benefit analysis before next year's Budget or Finance Bill process.

Digital games are essentially software development and would already be a field of science and technology for the purposes of the R&D tax credit scheme. Relevant R&D expenditure on games should already qualify under the existing terms of the tax credit scheme, provided any specific games development achieves scientific or technological advancement and involve the resolution of scientific or technological uncertainty.

Supports for R&D outside of the tax credit scheme are matters for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation. I understand, in this regard, that IDA Ireland which operates under the aegis of that Department is in the process of organising a one-day R&D workshop for the games industry. The IDA is liaising with the industry to finalise this arrangement. Officials of the Revenue Commissioners will also attend that workshop to explain the operation of the R&D tax credit scheme and be available to respond to any questions about the scheme that may arise.