asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered the depressing effect of the increased stamp duties on the purchase of dwellinghouses and if he will take the appropriate steps to have the stamp duties reduced in the case of purchase of dwellinghouses by Irish nationals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stamp Duties.
The increased stamp duties on conveyance of lands and houses have been in operation for just over a year and have produced a considerable amount of additional revenue. In reply to a similar question by the Deputy some months ago I said that when adequate opportunity had been afforded for judging the operation of the increases I hoped to be in a position to consider their future in the light of the general Exchequer position. While there is additional information available now, I am not yet in a position to judge fully the effect of the increases. The matter will be considered before next year's Budget.
Does the Minister realise that there are very many people who hope that the Minister will either rescind or reduce this tax, which has an unsettling effect on prospective buyers? If the Minister would make up his mind one way or the other it would be a considerable help.
I would advise the people not to be any longer unsettled and to buy with the tax on.