Fine Gael and Labour are expected to commit to no definite timeframe for the implementation of their proposals to abolish stamp duty for first-time buyers for houses up to €450,000 when they launch their joint election economic policy today.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour leader Pat Rabbitte will launch the policy, Protecting the Progress, in Dublin. The parties say the policy is an agreed agenda on "tax and jobs".
The policy was expected to be published last month but it is understood the parties had difficulty reaching agreement on the roll out of stamp duty reform.
Fine Gael initially favoured phasing it in over three years but Labour preferred a one-year timeframe. Last Friday in Cork Mr Kenny said it would be a matter for the next government and cabinet to decide on a timeframe.
The policy will include proposals to reduce the lower tax rate to 18 per cent and measures to reduce individualisation.
Minister for Finance Brian Cowen has described the proposals as "daft" and said they would have a negative impact on the property market.
There will also be comprehensive proposals for job creation and plans for the upskilling of the workforce in the joint document.
The Progressive Democrats will launch their economic and enterprise policy document tomorrow. The PDs promised to abolish stamp duty for first-time buyers at their ardfheis in February and to reduce the top and lower tax rates by 2 per cent if re-elected. The current rates are 41 per cent and 20 per cent.