asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing proposals for legislation to amend the Finance (No. 2) Act of 1947, to enable citizens of the United States of America to pay the lower rate of stamp duty set out in Section 13 (3) of the Act and thus encourage Irish emigrants to return to this country and purchase homes and farms therein.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Finance (No. 2) Act, 1947.
I cannot see my way to introduce legislation to relieve from the 25 per cent. rate of stamp duty any persons who are not regarded as Irish citizens under the laws in force relating to nationality and citizenship.
The Deputy is no doubt aware that the question of liability to the 25 per cent. rate of duty does not ordinarily arise in the case of persons born in Ireland before the 6th December, 1922, who return to Ireland and purchase property here, nor in relation to transfers either by gift or sale to Irish emigrants, whether born before or after 6th December, 1922, by any of their close relatives.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that this penal duty is a detriment to Irish emigrants returning to this country who wish to procure property and settle down here? In view of the fact that the Tánaiste is anxious for the investment of dollars in this country, should we not reconsider the matter?
I do not think that it is a detriment according to the reply I have just given the Deputy.