The Government partners are not divided on the stamp duty issue, Tánaiste Michael McDowell said today.
The Progressive Democrat leader moved to dampen speculation that his party was at odds with Fianna Fáil on the tax levied on transferring homes.
Mr McDowell hinted at a PD meeting in September that he may curb or abolish stamp duty but Minister for Finance Brian Cowen reiterated at yesterday's Fianna Fáil Ardfheis that no changes were planned in next month's Budget.
The Tánaiste today firmly dismissed any differences between the Government parties on the issue.
"At this stage in the budgetary process, the matter has not been considered at Governmental level nor has there been any inter-party discussions on that issue," he said.
"Suggestions that there are such differences and suggestions that such differences take the form of a dispute between ministers, parties or departmental officials are completely without foundation.
"The Progressive Democrats parliamentary party have considered the the issue of stamp duty, only in terms of next year's general election manifesto and not in the context of this year's budgetary process. This was clearly stated at the relevant Progressive Democrat party meeting on the issue in September."
Speaking about the December 6th Budget, Mr Cowen yesterday said it would focus on initiatives to increase the competitiveness of Irish industry in global markets.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the Government would meet its commitment to increasing the old age pension and promised other incentives to encourage people to take out retirement packages.
PA