Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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These are all important questions. Deputy Doherty is correct. I acknowledge it is a modest measure but it reflects all the tax that has been paid on savings for this purpose over the four year period. In terms of the four year date, as the Deputy has acknowledged there has to be certainty as to what is the cut-off period. It has to be a four year period. We are trying to bring the self-build in. I take the Deputy's point. I am not certain as to how to get around that. There has to be a cut-off point to a four year date but if the Deputy has thoughts on the issue for Report Stage I will discuss it with my colleague, the Minister for Finance. It is important that the scheme operates within a four year period. As to how one legislates for that is a matter that needs to be looked at. Obviously the principle is there that we want to include self-builds as well as first-time purchases.

In regard to the consideration paid, it is not possible to claim it twice. If there was a joint purchase in the case of the example used by the Deputy, it would be divided between two and the proportionate amount would be allocated to each of your savings. It is possible to claim it only once per purchase but the consideration could be divided among two.