To ask the Minister for Finance the take up there has been from the private sector in relation to the amendment to the Finance Bill 2008 regarding the provision of hospice beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Joe Carey.
* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 27th May, 2008.
Ref No: 20570/08
REPLY
Minister for Finance ( Mr Lenihan) :
Finance Act 2008 introduced a new scheme of capital allowances for capital expenditure incurred on the construction and refurbishment of qualifying specialist palliative care units.
Approval for this scheme from a State aid perspective is required from the EU Commission. The scheme will commence on receipt of approval from the EU Commission, at which time I will issue a commencement order. The process of obtaining State-aid approval from the EU Commission is under way in my Department.