Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I am just trying to be helpful to Deputy Sargent. It is estimated that, in the current year, only €70 million of stamp duty, out of a total yield of €2.7 billion, will be from first-time buyers. The Government is always prepared to listen to arguments and debates but one should note that over one third of stamp duty on houses is derived from the more expensive upper end of the market.

I do not believe the Deputy is arguing for houses worth between €1 million and €2 million.

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