Vol. 531 No. 3
205 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 21 November 2000, progress has been made in relation to the business tax incentives elements of the new town renewal scheme; when he expects the European Commission to approve this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5998/01]
My Department formally notified the European Commission of the business elements of the new town renewal scheme on 19 July 2000 around the time the specific towns selected for the scheme were announced by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government. The Commission responded on 6 September 2000 with a request for additional information. The matter was discussed in detail at meetings with the Commission and a reply has been sent to it. It will take some months before the business tax incentives elements of the scheme will be approved by the Commission. Such a delay is normal where Commission approval is concerned.
206 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance when the EU will grant authorisation for the proposed financial incentives for the town renewal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6042/01]
My Department formally notified the European Commission of the business elements of the new town renewal scheme on 19 July 2000 around the time the specific towns selected for the scheme were announced by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government. The Commission responded on 6 September 2000 with a request for additional information. The matter was then discussed in detail at meetings with the Commission and a reply has been sent to it. It will take some months before the business tax incentives elements of the scheme will be approved by the Commission. Such a delay is normal where Commission approval is concerned.
