asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make the County Meath Gaeltachtaí designated areas for the purposes of industrial grants and tax concessions for industrial development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Gaeltacht Areas.
113.
Having regard to the generous incentives available from Gaeltarra Éireann, I cannot see that the areas in question would gain any advantage at present from being designated.
Is it not the case that, taking the total number of grants available, there is a lower level of grant available to Gaeltachtaí that are not in designated areas than are available to those in designated areas and that, consequently, the Meath Gaeltacht is at a relative disadvantage to Gaeltachtaí on the western seaboard?
I do not accept that. The situation is that the maximum level of grant applicable to designated areas for new industry under the IDA is 60 per cent of fixed assets, while the maximum grant level to Gaeltacht areas under the Gaeltacht Industries Act is 66? per cent of fixed assets.
Is it not the position that Gaeltarra Éireann grants are paid in addition to the basic grants that are made available through the IDA?
The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper for Tuesday next.
I should like written answers to Questions Nos. 208, 295 and 296.
I should like a written answer to Question No. 230.
Deputies who require written answers may obtain them at the General Office.