Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2004
70 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the tax relief given to date under the Finance Act provision to encourage the development of private health facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24814/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraA scheme of capital allowances in respect of capital expenditure on the construction or refurbishment of buildings used as private hospitals was introduced in Finance Act 2001 and extended in 2002 to sports injury clinics and to day care hospitals in 2003. The local health board is required to certify that the hospital complies with certain conditions of the scheme such as range of services provided.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that tax relief for these schemes are not at present captured in such a way as to provide a specific basis for compiling estimates of cost to the Exchequer of these schemes.
My Department has been working closely with the Revenue Commissioners to seek improved information on the costs of individual tax reliefs to facilitate assessments of these tax reliefs. On foot of this work, the Revenue Commissioners will be introducing a number of changes to the forms relating to the annual return of income in respect of the tax year 2004. These changes will yield additional information regarding the cost of various tax reliefs, including this one. Provisions in the Finance Act 2004 underpin these changes.
I understand from the Department of Health and Children that that Department is aware of a number of proposals to develop private health care facilities which are at various stages of planning and development, and which may come within the provisions of the relevant legislation.
