asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce taxation provisions in the construction industry in order to reverse the disastrous decline in employment and output in this sector.
Written Answers. - Tax Relief for the Construction Industry.
62.
I have no plans to introduce further taxation provisions in relation to the construction industry. I have already provided in this year's Finance Bill a wide range of tax incentives to promote development and reconstruction in certain inner city areas. As I indicated to the House in my speech at the commencement of the Second Stage debate on the Bill, anticipated activity in the designated areas as a result of these incentives, along with activity generated by the new home improvement grants, have an employment potential of more than 3,000 jobs per year. Tax reliefs to encourage the provision of new or refurbished residential accommodation for renting and for the construction of multi-storey car parks and toll roads and bridges are, of course, also available still and continue to stimulate activity in the construction industry. These tax incentives are additional to the major input to the construction industry provided through the public capital programme.