Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

319. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to proposals in Spain regarding taxation on real estate bought by non-EU residents (details supplied); if any research has been carried out by his Department into the potential impact of this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7804/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Government 2025 commits to introducing a new, all-of-government national housing plan to follow Housing for All. Any proposals for new measures will be considered in this context.

Noting that as my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD has responsibility for housing matters, it would be for his Department to seek the assistance of my Department in carrying out research on the impact of taxation measures similar to those mooted by the Spanish Government. I would also note that I am informed that the proposed Spanish measure is only intended to apply to non-residents from countries outside the EU, and were any equivalent to be considered for Ireland, the same would have to apply to it owing to EU rules.

Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

320. To ask the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to increasing the small gift exemption for capital acquisitions tax from €3,000 to €5,000 from each person per year given it has not been increased for a number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7998/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) is a tax on gifts and inheritances that is payable by the beneficiary of the gift or inheritance on the value of the property received.

The relationship between the person giving a gift or inheritance and the beneficiary determines the maximum amount, known as the “Group threshold”, below which CAT does not arise.

Any prior gift or inheritance received by a beneficiary since 5 December 1991 from within the same Group threshold is aggregated for the purposes of determining whether tax is payable on a benefit.

Where a person receives a gift or inheritance and the value of the property received exceeds the relevant Group threshold, CAT at a rate of 33% applies on the excess.

There are three Group thresholds:

• the Group A threshold (currently €400,000) applies where the beneficiary is a child of the person giving the gift or inheritance;
• the Group B threshold (currently €40,000) applies where the beneficiary is a brother, sister, nephew, niece, lineal ancestor or lineal descendant of the person giving the gift or inheritance;
• the Group C threshold (currently €20,000) applies in all other cases.