Vol. 495 No. 7
134 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has made proposals, or will support a proposal, to give financial assistance through the tax system to companies in order to allow them to make the necessary changes, adjustment and purchase new equipment where necessary to prepare themselves to tackle the millennium bug problem. [21841/98]
I have not made any proposals to give financial assistance to companies in connection with the year 2000 computer problem. Primary responsibility for upgrading/replacing equipment is a matter for the enterprises involved and no direct financial assistance can be provided by the State. However, I understand that an interest group has requested my colleague, the Minister for Finance, to introduce a scheme of tax relief for upgrading equipment and I have asked him to have this matter considered.
