The main points.
CRIMINAL GANGS
The Revenue will be given new powers to help it tackle criminal gangs, mainly in the area of customs and excise.
An authorised Revenue officer will be given the power to question suspects who have been detained by gardaí in respect of serious indictable Revenue offences.
STAMP DUTY
A possible stamp-duty loophole has been closed, preventing people from using family members who are first-time buyers to buy property in order to avail of the first-time buyer stamp-duty exemption, only for ownership of the property to transfer shortly afterwards.
CONTRACEPTIVES
The VAT rate on condoms and other non-oral contraceptives is being reduced from 21 per cent to 13.5 per cent in a new public health measure. Tánaiste Brian Cowen said lower prices could help encourage more responsible behaviour.
TOURISM
Under a new tourism initiative, caravan parks and camping sites that are registered with Fáilte Ireland will be given allowances for capital expenditure on buildings and structures at a rate of 4 per cent over 25 years.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Tax allowances will be given to businesses who invest in energy-efficient equipment specified on an approved list. The scheme will run for a trial period of three years and will give 100 per cent capital allowances in the first year in which spending is incurred.
E-STAMPING
A self-service e-stamping system, which allows people to file, pay and receive an instant stamp without the Revenue Commissioners having to see the property deed, will be introduced in the second quarter of 2009.
