I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Task Force on Jobs in Services has now completed its report and presented it to me. The report which was considered at Government yesterday has been placed in the Oireachtas Library. The report contains recommendations as regards organisational changes — within Departments and agencies; changes in incentives — grant and equity support, and taxation measures; and proposed measures specific to particular service activities.
In accordance with its terms of reference the task force identified measures for implementation in the short term and those requiring further study. All of the recommendations will be borne in mind in the formulation of the 1994 budget. However, the Deputy will see from the report that, in relation to the more fundamental taxation options, the task force has highlighted the need for further in-depth evaluation bearing in mind, in particular, the taxation position of services in Ireland relative to other countries. Those options need to be examined from the standpoint of cost-effectiveness in terms of job creation. I do not believe it will be possible to undertake the valuation required before the 1994 budget.
I decided to publish the task force's report at this stage to allow for a full examination of the complex issues it covers. After the normal process of consultation with Government Departments, individual proposals formulated in response to the task force's recommendations will be put to Government for decision.