Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

738. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider an issue regarding stamp duty for young farmers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51246/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Programme for Government prioritises “supporting inter-generational farm succession”. Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, states that generational renewal in farming is critically important to ensure the future viability and social sustainability of the Irish agri-food sector and of rural Ireland. There are a number of supports for generational renewal currently available to farmers under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. These supports are complemented by a suite of strong national taxation measures and access to finance supports, as well as advisory and education & training supports. Stamp Duty Relief for Young Trained Farmers is one of those significant taxation measures.

The Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established to examine the issues influencing farm succession and, earlier this month, I announced publication of their report. The Commission has produced a thorough analysis and made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas. For the Deputy’s information, the Report states that, “An age limit of 35 currently applies to the Stamp Duty Relief for Young Trained Farmers. Any extension of this age limit would negatively affect the intergenerational transfer of farms and the Commission does not believe it should be changed”.

An implementation group within my Department will now carefully consider the Commission recommendations, including those on taxation, and will engage with agricultural stakeholders and the relevant public bodies. As the Deputy is aware, taxation policy is primarily the responsibility of my colleague the Minister of Finance, and I will continue to work closely with him on taxation issues relating to the agri-food sector.