Vol. 573 No. 3
243 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance if the seed capital programme under the business expansion scheme will continue beyond 31 December 2003; if so, the date until when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24840/03]
As the Deputy will be aware, the business expansion scheme and the seed capital scheme are due to terminate on 31 December 2003. Both schemes are currently being reviewed by my Department in consultation with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The review is addressing not just the question of whether the schemes should be extended but is also addressing the current scope of both schemes and other related issues. I expect to be in a position to take decisions in that regard in the context of the forthcoming budget.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not the practice to announce in advance measures which may or may not be in a forthcoming budget or Finance Bill.
