Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 520: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans on introducing exemptions to include full-time farmers over 35 years of age from paying stamp duty when the farm is transferred from family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1196/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I have no plans to introduce stamp duty relief for full-time farmers over 35 years of age on the transfer of a farm from a family member. As the Deputy will be aware, the stamp duty code contains full stamp duty relief for transfers of land to young trained farmers, that is, under 35 years, where land is transferred to them by way of gift or sale, provided they have attained relevant educational qualifications. This relief, which is considered generous, is intended to encourage the transfer of land to young farmers who have successfully undergone training.

In addition, where a parent wishes to transfer agricultural land to a child where the child does not qualify for this young trained farmer relief, he or she can qualify for a 50% relief on the stamp duty otherwise chargeable, as the child of the person transferring the land.