I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 33 and 49 together.
The tax relief scheme for certain resort areas, announced by the Minister for Finance in his 1995 budget speech, applies on a pilot basis for three years from 1 July 1995. I am satisfied that there has been a significant level of interest in the scheme to date and promotional seminars which have taken place in the resorts have attracted large attendances. However, it will be some time before qualifying investments are put in place and the benefits of the scheme become evident on the ground in terms of new or improved tourism facilities. No significant obstacles in relation to projects under the scheme have been brought to my attention.
Since the passing of the Finance Act, there have been numerous requests to the Minister for Finance and myself to extend the geographical coverage of the scheme. While such requests are primarily a matter for consideration by the Minister for Finance, it is important to recall that the scheme is a pilot one and has only recently come into operation. It would, therefore, be premature to make any decisions at this stage in relation to extending the geographical coverage of the scheme.