Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

There were a number of questions on the section 23 and other property reliefs. As participants joined the schemes at different stages, many have availed of some of the reliefs at this point. Others have availed of less of them. That is why 2014 was selected as a median date in terms of addressing all of the considerations, which are many when one considers the various schemes and the differences that arose between the various properties. Some of them, I understand, are as old as 20 years. The belief was that some measures which were introduced in 2006 would have the impact of finishing these schemes much quicker than has been the case but, because of the nature of their design over several years that has not been possible and the decision to go with 2014 is a median that seems to be acceptable, and reachable, which is an important consideration.

Deputy Rabbitte asked about the constitutional and legal considerations, if there are any. The legal advice is that the restriction on the property reliefs is legally sound. However, there is also advice that the speed in closing down the reliefs needs to be proportionate. That is a standard consideration in matters of this nature in any event. The advice also suggested that it was appropriate to have a full assessment of the impacts before the complete shutdown of the scheme in this instance.

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