30 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of approximately the monthly take over the past 12 months from residential stamp duty; if any analysis of the category of buying has been done and if he has or will re-examine stamp duty scheme, to change rates and status of purchases and to amend the system to concentrate exemptions and support towards those under pressure which traditionally were first time buyers but now might be those in negative equity apartments but wishing to trade up to family home status. [46804/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy in relation to receipts from Stamp Duty on residential property is set out in the following table which reflects the position up to and including November 2010.

*Due to the changeover to a new system, a separate breakdown is not available for the months January, February and March 2010. The total combined figure for the 3 months is provided instead.

There has been no analysis of the category of buying carried out. However, as the Deputy is aware, I announced in Budget 2011 a major reform of the charge to Stamp Duty on residential property transactions, which applies to all instruments executed on or after 8 December 2010. These changes have simplified the system by lowering the rates applicable and abolishing a number of exemptions and reliefs.

The changes in rates are as follows:

In order to broaden the tax base, a number of reliefs and exemptions have been abolished as follows:

First Time Buyer's Relief;

Relief from Stamp Duty on new houses under 125 sq metres;

Reduced Stamp Duty on new houses over 125 sq metres

Consanguinity relief in respect of residential property transfers;

Exemption for residential property valued under €127,000; and

Site to child relief.

There is also a transitional measure in place for circumstances where the effect of these changes is to increase the Stamp Duty payable on the transaction. The new rates will not apply where a binding contract is in place before 8 December 2010 and the instrument is executed before 1 July 2011.