Vol. 530 No. 6
197 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a submission requesting beneficial tax status for donors of national trust property to An Taisce; if so, its current status; and when a decision is likely to be made in this regard. [4868/01]
I received a proposal from An Taisce seeking the introduction of a tax relief for donations of properties and heritage sites. I considered the proposal in question during the preparations for the budget and recently published Finance Bill, 2001, but have no plans to introduce such a relief.
However, as the Deputy may be aware, the Finance Bill, 2001, provides for a new tax relief for donations of money. The initiative represents a major simplification and extension of existing reliefs. Relief will be available at a taxpayer's marginal rate of tax for both personal and corporate donations. The minimum donation qualifying will be £250 and there will be no limit on the total amount of relief afforded to individuals or companies. The new relief will apply to a wide range of bodies, including charities which have been charitably exempt for tax purposes for three years, as well as educational establishments. I am confident that this new measure will be of significant benefit to private organisations and charities, such as An Taisce, in raising money for worthwhile causes.
