Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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98. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to change the age at which a person is deemed to qualify under the Revenue Commissioners terms as a young farmer; if the upper age of a young farmer for same will be brought in line with the upper age for grants, that is, 40 years of age; if so, when the change will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27387/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As the deputy has stated in his question, there are certain tax reliefs that are available to young farmers. Under Section 667B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, young farmers who achieve specified educational qualifications are entitled to increased stock relief at a rate of 100%. S. 667B requires that the farmer be under 35 years of age in the year in which they commence their trade of farming.

In addition, a relief from stamp duty is available under Section 81AA of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 in respect of certain transfers of land to young farmers. The farmer must similarly be under 35 years of age on the date of the transfer.

The objective of these reliefs is to encourage the transfer of farm assets to younger and more progressive farmers. The conditions for the paying of grants to farmers is, primarily, a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I currently have no plans to propose an increase in the upper age limit in the tax code in the manner proposed by the deputy.