asked the Minister for the Environment in view of the present chronic unemployment situation in the building industry which has been further adversely affected by the doubling of VAT on houses, if he agrees that this industry requires a substantial capital injection, having regard to the very high employment content in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Building Industry Investment.
19.
I would refer the Deputy to the package of employment, taxation and financial incentives announced by the Taoiseach on 23 October last. The package is particularly important to the construction industry as it includes major incentives for the development of the Custom House Dock site and of designated inner city areas in Dublin, Limerick and Cork, a generous new scheme of house improvement grants and grants for the provision of community, leisure and other facilities in areas of social need. These measures will provide a substantial capital injection for the industry, resulting in considerable additional output and employment.