Stamp Duty.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 June 2005

Thursday, 30 June 2005

Ceisteanna (269)

John Cregan

Ceist:

254 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider changes to stamp duty due to the perceived view that it is a tax on freedom of movement, is a disincentive against trading up and an unfair tax in settled and established areas; if he will consider alternations to allow the tax rate on that bracket only rather than on full sale value; if he will consider a further increase in threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23769/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Stamp duty is a duty on the transfer of title to property. It is paid largely by the better off. It has been in existence since the 1960s and has not hindered persons moving, trading up or settling down. Accordingly, I do not propose to change the stamp duty code along the lines suggested by the Deputy.