Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Finance the rationale of his budget 2009 decision to reduce the stamp duty on ATM and debit cards by 50%; the reason he had not considered increasing this duty instead of halving it; the projected gain to the Exchequer of doubling the stamp duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44245/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The reduction in Stamp Duty on ATM and debit cards which I announced in the Budget is in line with Government policy of encouraging greater use of electronic means of payment. As the Deputy is aware, there are significant security issues relating to the transport of cash and the targeting of certain sectors (such as the elderly) by criminals. This change will assist in minimising such risks by reducing the amount of cash in circulation. This measure is Revenue neutral as it will be funded by the increase from 30c to 50c in the rate of duty on cheques and bills of exchange.The potential gain to the Exchequer from doubling the rate of Stamp Duty on ATM and debit cards is estimated at €24m.