asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the fact that industrial expansion has been very slow in midland areas compared with other parts of the country, he will consider introducing legislation to give incentives to industrialists to set up industries in the midland areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industries in Midland Areas.
101.
The midland areas, in common with other parts of the country, already have available to them generous incentives, including grants and tax concessions, which have been provided by the Government in the interest of stimulating new and expanded industrial activities. The incentives available by way of tax concessions are applicable uniformly to all areas of the country and provide for full relief from tax over a period of years on profits derived from exports. Industrial grants are applicable to the midland areas on the same basis as to the rest of the country with the exception of the undeveloped areas. The legislation enacted in 1963, however, substantially reduced the differential between the industrial grants available to undeveloped areas and those available to other areas in the country.
I do not consider that the introduction of legislation to provide for special incentives applicable to the midland areas would be warranted.