Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2019
179. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the take up of the key employee engagement programme in each month since its establishment; the number of companies that availed of the scheme in each of the years by multinational companies and SME companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30806/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that 10 companies granted share options under the Key Employee Engagement Programme (KEEP) to 87 key employees during 2018 (the first year of the scheme). Generally, a key employee must hold the option for 12 months prior to exercise, and, therefore, 2019 will be the earliest date that individuals exercise their options to acquire shares in qualifying companies. Returns for 2019 will not be filed with Revenue until 2020.
The Programme is available only to SMEs, and is intended to help them attract and retain talent, so that the question of data in respect of multinational companies under same does not arise.
