Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Could the Minister of State confirm the position on the types of abuses he mentioned, using three examples, if amendments Nos. 45 to 47 are accepted by the Government? I do not believe it is the intention of anyone in the House to prevent the Revenue Commissioners from dealing with issues like these. The transactions in question are clearly designed to circumvent the established gift tax rules. I would certainly support any measure to close down those loopholes. We have to come to a determination on the amendments before us. Can the Minister of State clarify for the House whether the Revenue Commissioners will be powerless to deal with these issues if the amendments are adopted?

Second, can the Minister of State elaborate further on what constitutes a normal and reasonable payment from a parent to a grown-up child living at home? The Revenue Commissioners have clarified that bed and board and normal lodging-related expenses will not be affected by the change. It is important that the Minister of State articulate, in as much detail as possible, the types of payments designed to be captured by way of the change.

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