Charlie McCreevy (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

These recommendations relate to the enhanced ceiling on mortgage interest payments that qualify for tax relief which is available in the case of first-time buyers. Section 9 proposes that the existing ceilings be increased from €3,175 to €4,000 for single persons and from €6,350 to €8,000 for married and widowed persons. It also extends the period for which the higher amount of relief may be claimed from the present five years to seven. Senator Higgins's recommendations propose that the interest ceilings be further increased to €4,300 and €8,600, respectively.