Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Again, I thank the Deputy for raising the issue, because it is very important for families in rural Ireland and for children or others who are abroad at present. It is our hope that many people who emigrated over a number of years will begin to return home. Indeed, it is already happening and has become quite marked. Many of the recruitment firms are stepping up their recruitment over the Christmas period because so many young people will be returning and, hopefully, many of them will be able either to stay or to make plans to return for employment that has become available.

The legislation has been widely welcomed by farming organisations. Its intent is to facilitate transfers from older people to young active farmers who wish to commit to farming. If the Deputy could give a few examples, we could ask the Revenue Commissioners to examine the scenarios which are causing the Deputy concern and see if it is possible to provide either regulations or administration to take these cases into account.

Obviously, it is important that the Finance Bill be passed before the end of this Oireachtas term. There are universal social charge, USC, and tax reductions due to take effect from 1 January next and we are anxious that people have the benefit of those. However, the Deputy has raised an important issue. I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Noonan, but it would be helpful if the Deputy could compile two or three examples of the scenarios he has in mind. I am familiar with cases such as the Deputy describes, but with tax law one must always be careful of the law of unintended consequences. I am sure the Minister, Deputy Noonan, will be happy to examine it, but it would be helpful if the Deputy would set out the relevant scenarios.

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