Wexford Councillor Says Inheritance Tax Reform Is 'A Political Choice'

New Ross Councillor Michael Sheehan says reforming Ireland's inheritance tax system is "a political choice" and has urged the Government to act ahead of October's Budget.

His comments come as the End Discrimination in Inheritance Tax campaign continues to call for changes to the current system, arguing that childless people are unfairly penalised if they wish to leave their home or other assets to nieces, nephews or other relatives.

Speaking on Morning Mix, Councillor Sheehan said senior Government figures had previously acknowledged the issue.

He said the Taoiseach and Minister for Public Expenditure and Finance Jack Chambers had both recognised that people should be able to pass on the assets they have built up over a lifetime of work.

However, he claimed the Government had since changed its position, describing that shift as "a political choice."

The campaign group is calling for the introduction of a single tax-free inheritance threshold for all beneficiaries, regardless of their relationship to the person who has died.

The Government has said no decisions have yet been made on inheritance tax changes as part of Budget 2027.