Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 3

Written Answers. - Stamp Duty Exemptions.

Brian Cowen

Question:

75 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Finance if he will have arrangements made for modifications to the stamp duty exemption scheme for young farmers to whom lands are transferred by their parents or relatives to enable a person (details supplied) in County Laois to be deemed eligible for the reduced 1 per cent stamp duty rate on the deed of transfer by reason of the fact that he gained three years' experience as an unregistered apprentice farmer in an intensive dairy farm and was not in a position to do the green certificate because he was needed full-time on the farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9258/95]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Quinn)

As the Deputy is aware, the 1994 Finance Act provides for a substantial relief from stamp duty on the transfer of agricultural land buildings to young farmers who meet certain training requirements. To be eligible for this relief, the transferee must have acquired a Teagasc certificate in farming or an equivalent educational qualification; or, if born before 1 January 1968, have three years' experience in farming together with satisfactory completion of Teagasc farm management training courses of not less than 180 hours' duration.

The training conditions are important to ensure that the relief is focused on transfers to suitably skilled farmers with a commitment to the practice of farming. Accordingly, there are no provisions whereby a person who does not meet either of the conditions outlined above may benefit from the stamp duty relief.