Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am very relieved to hear what the Minister of State said about the Succession Act. It is perhaps unhelpful that it is the same term, but it is a matter to be teased out. I would appreciate if she could provide me with a note on successors and the Succession Act. It would be useful and reassuring to people. In the context of those inheritance issues, the recognition of the role of spouses is hard won and anything that could erode that would be a concern. It is good that the Minister of State has outlined the primacy of the Succession Act over the successor role set out in the legislation before us.

It is good that the same asset can be used for both members of a couple but as my concerns relate to a scenario where one spouse remains at home or on the farm, there are still measures to be teased out. I do not think the Bill will create an inequity but rather because of how it intersects with succession and inheritance, it creates a need for care and vigilance. Having this conversation is useful in that regard, as will having further engagement on it. Succession and inheritance is complicated, as the Minister of State noted, and it is important to have an eye to anything that intersects with those issues and the complexities we all know examples of unfolding.

I look forward to engaging further with the Minister of State on the issue.