Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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350. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to change the age of the stamp duty exemption for young farmers from 35 years of age to 40 years of age, in line with the recent changes in the Common Agricultural Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26386/16]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, for the purposes of relief from Stamp Duty, a young trained farmer is defined in section 81AA of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 as being under 35 years of age and holding the necessary qualifications on the date the deed of transfer is executed.

The 2013 reform of the Common Agricultural Policy introduced an age definition for a young farmer as a farmer under 40 years of age.  Any moves to bring existing measures into line with this definition would require legislative change and would be subject to EU state aid approval.

I have no plans to make any changes in this area at present. However, the matter will be kept under review with appropriate liaison between my officials and officials at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.