Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Deputy Michael McGrath. We looked for this concession because if a farmer qualified for capital gains exemption it made no sense to be paying stamp duty at the higher rate.

The land structure in this country is unique in that over 70% of farms are fragmented. For viability in the future consolidation has to be welcomed and encouraged, if at all possible. This capital gains exemption was brought in several years ago where farmers were selling a portion of their farms and could prove to Teagasc that it was for the purpose of consolidation because they were purchasing land nearer the main farm holding. This amendment is welcome and will help the viability of farming in the future. We welcome the amendment.

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