Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 3

Written Answers. - Recognition of Family Status.

Monica Barnes

Question:

141 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the anomalous position that penalises couples in long term family relationships who, because of the ban on divorce in this State, cannot have their family status legally recognised so that the transfer of ownership of the family home does not come within the Family Home Protection Act, 1976, and therefore does not have stamp duty waived.

Minister for Finance, (Mr. A. Reynolds)

The treatment of spouses for the purposes of the stamp duty exemption on transfers of property between them reflects the general law relating to marriage and accordingly does not extend to the relationship described in the Deputy's question.