Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to provide stamp duty exemption for persons with disability wishing to live independently; and if he will return tax exemption on vehicles for wheelchair users. [3386/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The current rate of Stamp Duty on transfers of residential property is 1% on properties valued up to €1m and 2% on any balance over €1m. Given the low headline rate, I have no plans at present to provide a Stamp Duty exemption such as is suggested. The tax code contains a number of credits, allowances, reliefs and exemptions for people with disabilities. In addition, parents/guardians and persons who care for dependent relatives may also qualify for relief from tax.

These include generally available reliefs such as medical expenses relief, and credits and allowances specific to people with disabilities and their families, such as incapacitated child tax credit or dependent relative tax credit. There is also tax relief available for covenants drawn up for permanently incapacitated persons, and exemption from Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) for permanently incapacitated persons in certain circumstances.

Regarding the return of tax exemptions on vehicles for wheelchair users to which the Deputy refers, I assume him to mean reliefs available under the Disabled Drivers and Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme. I understand from the Revenue Commissioners, who administer the scheme, that there has been no withdrawal of tax exemptions to those persons who have already established eligibility to obtain reliefs under the scheme, in accordance with the terms of the regulations. There has, however, been a change in administrative practice, to ensure that the provisions of SI 353/1994 are being adhered to correctly. It is important to note, however, that appropriately qualified drivers and passengers will continue to be able to avail of the scheme, but must accept that stricter interpretation of the provisions than has heretofore been the case will be applied.