Simon Harris, Ireland’s Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, says he is not planning to table measures to remove stamp duty for first-time property buyers in next month’s budget. The statement comes after Fianna Fáil figures called for the change earlier this week, arguing it could help some people enter the housing market.
RTE reports Harris has effectively ruled out the proposal ahead of the budget. Highland Radio similarly says Harris again insists there will be no removal of stamp duty for first-time buyers, noting that senior Fianna Fáil members—including the Taoiseach and the Housing Minister—publicly supported lifting stamp duty. While both outlets focus on Harris’s position, they differ only in emphasis: RTE frames it as a “seeming” ruling out, while Highland Radio describes Harris reiterating that stance after Fianna Fáil’s renewed calls.
Across coverage, the agreement is that the next budget will not include stamp duty removal for first-time buyers, despite political pressure from within Fianna Fáil.
