Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 64: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of any discussion he has held with the Department of Finance regarding the impact of tax incentives and exemptions on the housing market. [22329/05]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 135: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has discussed with the Department of Finance the impact on the housing market of tax incentives such as section 23 and section 50 tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22327/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 135 together.

Taxation policy is a matter for the Minister for Finance. However, there is ongoing liaison between my Department and the Department of Finance regarding the impact of taxation measures on the housing market. The Department of Finance and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners have initiated a detailed review of certain tax incentive schemes and tax exemptions, in advance of budget 2006.

Two consultancy studies are currently under way, which involve consultation with relevant Departments. One, a review of four area based renewal schemes, is required, inter alia, to consider the impact that the schemes have had on the housing market and their interaction with other policy objectives in this regard. The second study is a review of 11 property based tax incentive schemes, including the scheme of relief for third level student accommodation, and in this regard it is required to consider the contribution that this scheme has made to an increase in the supply of residential accommodation for third level students and any consequent effects on the wider housing market.