Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Sub-sale relief has always existed in the stamp duty code and licensing arrangements with landowners have been a traditional way in which developers develop land. The arrangements involving powers of attorney are more recent, but in recent years and owing to prosperity, the proliferation of developments structured in this way has come to the notice of the Revenue Commissioners and such arrangements are being reviewed by them. I have asked them to let me know the outcome of their review and I will decide what action, if any, is required, bearing in mind the effect on the housing market and the cost to the Exchequer.

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