Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Minister read avidly the alternative budget we put forward and will know we also proposed an increase in commercial stamp duty. It is a very sensible move. It has been flagged in the tax strategy papers and we know that commercial lending and overheating paid a huge part in the banking collapse so it is very important that we continue to monitor it and that we take action where appropriate to make sure it does not overheat. The banking inquiry pinpointed commercial real estate as one of the major causes of the banking crash. That is why it needs to be monitored and taxed appropriately. I am very interested in Deputy Fitzmaurice's amendment because there seems to be some differences in how this has been portrayed. If the Minister is saying categorically it does not apply to farmland yet that is not reflected in how it is worded, it is something the Minister needs to clarify tonight. If it is a case that we need to put something into the resolution along the lines of Deputy Fitzmaurice's proposal then we will certainly support it. I am interested in hearing the Minister's analysis of that.

Amendment No. 2 proposes changing the timeframe from midnight tonight to 31 December 2017. Will the Minister comment on that because it will have an impact on the proposed revenue which could potentially be raised? What will the implications of that amendment be on the financial resolution?

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