Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I thank Senators for their contributions in respect of the various issues raised. Senator Keane referred to clarity regarding the information relating to the charge. Such clarity will be provided in respect of those involved in shared ownership arrangements.

Senator Byrne referred to houses owned by trading companies or whatever which have never been occupied and in respect of which such companies have not obtained an income. There are many such properties and thousands of them are owned by NAMA. If the charge were imposed in respect of them, NAMA would owe the State a fortune.

Maidir leis na pointí a luaigh an Seanadóir Ó Clochartaigh, níl ach dhá shlí gur féidir le haon duine an díolúine a fháil. Ar an gcéad dul síos, caithfidh an teach a bheith suite in eastát faoi leith. We are dealing here with estates which are in an unfinished state and these come under categories 3 and 4. If a person inherited a house located in unfinished estate, he or she would automatically qualify for the waiver. If an inheritor has already obtained a mortgage subsidy from the HSE in respect of his or her primary residence, he or she is only entitled to one such subsidy. Therefore, the subsidy would not apply in respect of a second home. I am not exactly sure of the position in this regard but the officials will clarify it for me.

The only other category which might be affected comprises people who do not have mortgages and who inherit properties from deceased relatives or whatever. Such individuals would have a responsibility for the mortgages on inherited properties and if they had an inability to pay and if the HSE decided that they would be covered, then they would not be obliged to pay the charge. I hope what I have said has provided some clarity.