Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 May 1997

Vol. 479 No. 2

Written Answers. - Heritage Houses Insurance.

Ivor Callely

Question:

26 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht his understanding of the cost of insurance on historic heritage houses; the issues and associated issues, if any, he has considered in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12589/97]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

As I stated in reply to previous parliamentary questions, I am very aware of the burden of insurance costs on many owners of historic heritage houses. This is one of a number of issues considered by the interdepartmental working group on strengthening the protection of the architectural heritage.

I and my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Deputy Howlin, are finalising a package of proposals based on the recommendations in the interdepartmental working group's report and taking account of observations received on those recommendations. Recommendation 52 stated that public liability insurance costs should be deemed an operating expense against which full taxation relief may be claimed in respect of buildings qualifying for tax relief under section 19 of the Finance Act, 1982. This provision has now been included in the Finance Bill, 1997.