Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Jul 1990

Vol. 401 No. 6

Written Answers. - Share Option Schemes.

Michael Noonan

Question:

102 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline (a) the number of share option schemes approved by the Revenue Commissioners in each of the years 1986 to 1990, inclusive, (b) the total number of such schemes currently in operation, differentiating between quoted and unquoted companies, (c) the total number of employees now benefiting under these schemes and (d) the total number of profit sharing schemes currently in operation, differentiating between quoted and unquoted companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

The information requested by the Deputy is as follows: As regards (a) and (c), the information available is set out in the following table. As regards (b), these schemes are currently active to the extent that they have been approved and that shares have been or may be appropriated or acquired in accordance with the terms of the schemes. In administering the provisions of the legislation it is not necessary to distinguish between quoted and unquoted companies. Because of this, statistics are not recorded in such a manner as would enable the breakdown in question to be provided. As regards (d), the number of profit sharing schemes approved between 6 April 1986 and 5 April 1990 for tax relief under the provisions of Chapter IX of the Finance Act, 1982, is 72. As regards the number currently in operation and the question of quoted/ unquoted companies, the position is the same as at (b) above.

Table

Year ended 5 April	Number of approved share option schemes	Number of employees participating
1987	48	1,375
1988	30	1,456
1989	20	1,493
1990	38	Not available