Vol. 572 No. 6
189 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the implementation of a special tax incentive scheme for the Knocknacower area of Belmullet, County Mayo, in view of the census findings that this is Ireland's worst unemploy ment blackspot and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24251/03]
190 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Finance if a suitable compensation package and tax incentive scheme will be arranged for the Knocknacower area in view of the census findings that the area, which includes the Pollathomas-Inver area, is the worst unemployment blackspot here and the other indications from the census relating to the north and west Mayo area that show it is the worst economically deprived area in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24277/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.
In budget 2003 I confirmed the termination dates for a range of incentive schemes including certain area based designation schemes such as the town renewal and rural renewal schemes. This announcement was made in the context of the general policy of broadening the tax base in order to retain the current low rates of income, capital gains and corporate taxation. In this context, there are no plans currently to provide for extensions to the areas designated under the rural renewal scheme to any other rural areas.
In relation to the consideration of a compensation package for the Knocknacower area on foot of the census findings that it is the worst unemployment blackspot in Ireland, policy in relation to employment is a matter, in the first instance, for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I understand that this question has also been addressed to her.
