Mayo councillor supports push for inheritance tax reform

A CAMPAIGN by Independent members of the Dáil for inheritance tax reform has received the backing of Mayo Councillor Patsy O'Brien.

Threshold changes are needed, says the Independent councillor, especially to support the next generation of young farmers.

Said Councillor O'Brien: “I fully support the Independents call on inheritance tax reform. It’s an issue I encounter far too often, not just with farms but with family homes as well.

“Right now, the cost for children to take over family land or property in Ireland is simply too high. If we genuinely want young farmers and the next generation to step up, government policy has to change - and soon.”

As things stand, the system almost discourages transferring land during a person’s lifetime, he explained. “In many cases, families are better off waiting until after death, which makes no sense when we’re trying to support early succession and keep farming sustainable.

“What makes it even harder to accept is that this land has often already been taxed once before. Taxing it again when it’s passed on just doesn’t feel right.”

Said Councillor O'Brien: “We need fair, practical reform that supports families in passing on what they’ve built - while they’re still here to see it continue.”