Written answers

Tuesday, 28 March 2006

11:00 pm

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Finance the steps which are being taken to ensure that the condition of the section 50 tax relief scheme which stipulates that apartments built under the scheme must be occupied by students during the college term is being observed; his views on recent reports from student bodies that these 5,000 units built at a tax forgone sum of an estimated €214 million to the Exchequer may be let by some landlords to non students during the college term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12188/06]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Qualifying developments in this section 50 scheme must conform with guidelines issued by the Minister for Education and Science. One of the conditions of such guidelines is that the developments must be occupied by students as defined therein in the college term. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not aware of any significant abuses of the so-called section 50 scheme of relief for the construction of student accommodation. However, Revenue has noted the newspaper report of a claim made at last week's Union of Students in Ireland Congress that some section 50 apartments are being let to non-students during college terms. Revenue will follow up on this with the person who made the claim and I am assured that appropriate action will be taken, if warranted.

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