Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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259. To ask the Minister for Finance in view of the demand for social housing, if his Department has examined the possibility of a tax incentive scheme as a means of encouraging more landlords to let their properties to tenants in receipt of a rent supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26205/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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My officials examine regularly all tax reliefs and incentives as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill planning process, and consider possible changes. Any decisions taken by the Government in this regard are usually announced on Budget Day. I have no plans to introduce an incentive along the lines suggested by the Deputy.

As you will appreciate, I receive numerous requests for the introduction of new tax reliefs and the extension of existing ones. You will also appreciate that I must be mindful of the public finances and the many demands on the Exchequer. Tax reliefs, no matter how worthwhile in themselves, reduce the tax base and make general reform of the tax system that much more difficult.