Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2015
93. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if approval has been received from the European Commission under state aid rules in relation to changes in stamp duty provisions pertaining to farmland leasing, as provided for in the Finance Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16071/15]
View answerThe relief of stamp duty on long-term leases was included in the Finance Act 2014, subject to a commencement order. The relief is not currently in force as it cannot be introduced until it is granted State Aid approval by the European Commission. The Department held initial discussions with the Commission in this regard but they indicated that the measure, as presented, was not State Aid compatible. The Department is in the process of submitting the measure again, with a view to examining the matter further with the Commission.
