asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the serious concern among industrialists in the Shannon region regarding EEC proposals to abolish tax exemptions and other incentives to foreign companies establishing industries in underdeveloped regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Industry Tax Incentives.
74.
There is no EEC proposal to abolish incentives to foreign or other companies establishing industries in underdeveloped regions. A proposal for a resolution of the Council of Ministers dealing in general terms with the question of harmonising State aids to industry in the different regions of the Community is being discussed. The Government will, in the present discussions and in the application of any resolution that may be adopted, do everything necessary to ensure that the industrial development programme of this country is not hindered. In this connection, the Government will draw attention to the provisions of Protocol No. 30 to the Accession Treaty, which recognises the necessity for a programme of industrialisation and economic development in Ireland.