asked the Minister for Finance when he intends to implement reforms in respect of the stamp duty which is payable on the transfer of a farm from a father to his children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stamp Duty Reforms.
13.
In order to encourage immediate transfers of land to young trained farmers, the Government programme included an undertaking to suspend stamp duty on such transfers for a two-year period. Implementation of this item of the programme is currently under consideration.
Is the Minister aware that because of the Coalition commitment at election time to suspend this stamp duty payment there are a large number of transactions currently lying in solicitors' officers awaiting implementation of this proposal?
That is a possibility. If the Deputy is aware of individual cases I am prepared to accept that what he says is valid. I have indicated that this matter will fall to be considered in the context of the 1982 budget. It is my hope that it will be possible to introduce it on that occasion. This measure when implemented will assist in ensuring transfers of land to younger farmers to the considerable benefit of Irish agriculture.
Would the Minister agree that the urgency that was evident during the election campaign seems to have diminished somewhat when now letters are emanating from his Department suggesting that it is only now under consideration? What does he propose doing about implementing that promise given solemnly to the electorate?
The Deputy will appreciate that the term "under consideration" is standard Departmental parlance for matters which have not yet been formally decided. However, I have indicated here in the House in response to the Deputy's question that it is my earnest hope that it will be possible to introduce this measure in the 1982 budget. It was not introduced in the July 1981 budget because it is a relatively complex measure involving changes in capital taxation. It was felt that (1) it would be difficult to make the relevant provision in the short time available between the change of Government and the introduction of the budget; and (2) it would be wrong to deal with one item of capital taxation in that budget while not dealing with other items which might fall to be considered in regard to capital taxation.
The Minister is being deliberately evasive. Will he bring in the necessary legislation or whatever is required to have this promise implemented in the 1982 budget?
I am not introducing the 1982 budget here and now. However, I have said that it is my earnest hope that it will be included in that budget, but clearly it would be premature and wrong for me to give a firm commitment in that matter in advance of the completion of the work which is going on now in Government in regard to the preparation of that budget and in particular in regard to the level of expenditure in 1982. It would be quite wrong to settle a particular measure of taxation until it is possible to say with certainty that we can afford that in the light of the level of expenditure being decided upon.
(Interruptions.)
Did Deputy Kitt indicate that he wanted to ask a supplementary question?
When will the operation date be for this reform the Minister has mentioned? As Deputy Flynn pointed out, a number of people are wondering what is going to happen as we are told that this matter is under consideration.
That matter will be dealt with in the budget statement.
(Interruptions.)
I cannot allow a debate on this.
What did the Minister say? Is it a hope or is it a will? He says that it will be implemented and a few moments ago he said that he hoped it would be implemented. It is a matter of importance to people to know exactly what is going to happen.
I said in response to Deputy Kitt that the matter will be dealt with in the budget statement, that is in regard to the date of operation. I assure him now that the matter will be dealt with. There will be a statement in the budget dealing with this matter. I have said in response to earlier supplementary questions that it is my earnest hope to include this in the budget, but for reasons I have given it is not possible at this stage to reveal bit by bit the parts that will make up the 1982 budget. The Deputies opposite will have to wait until budget day to see the precise details of that budget.
I have one final supplementary.
Yes, but the question has been answered by the Minister.
Would the Minister for Finance agree with me that the answer to this question is just a further example of the financial gymnastics being undertaken by his Department?
I am sorry, Deputy, this does not arise.
The Government are seeking a way to renege on a commitment given to the electorate in 1981.
No, Sir.