Psychiatric hospital tax break followed lobbying

A NEW tax relief scheme for the capital funding of private psychiatric hospitals was introduced in the Budget following representations from a number of individuals and groups, the Department of Finance confirmed yesterday.

While Finance Minister Brian Cowen announced the phasing out of most property breaks, he excepted private hospitals and childcare facilities, and announced two new capital allowance schemes related to psychiatric care.

The first measure extends the qualifying services that a private hospital must provide to be eligible for a capital allowance to include psychiatric care.