Vol. 510 No. 4
45 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the changes proposed in the application of inheritance tax; his views on the injustice of this tax as it applies to a non-marital couple where a partner dies and leaves property or an estate to the other partner and in the process incurs massive tax liabilities, compared with the situation in the application of this tax to a marital couple; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17300/99]
I have indicated to the Dáil earlier this year, in the course of the Finance Bill debate, and in response to parliamentary questions in recent months, that I appreciate the concerns which have been raised in relation to inheritance tax, particularly on the inheritance of the family home. I am aware of the tax burden this could place on certain individuals, including cohabiting couples and elderly brothers and sisters residing in the same house. I undertook that I would examine the capital acquisitions tax code, including inheritance tax, in detail for the forthcoming budget. This examination is currently taking place.
