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Thu 12 Dec 2007Budget targets stamp duty, welfare and green issuesIn a Budget designed to restore confidence to the economy the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, unveiled a major revamp of the stamp duty regime yesterday to counter the recent slump in the housing market and a package of welfare and tax reforms aimed at helping those on low incomes.The Minister also announced a range of "green" measures designed to meet Ireland's commitment to reduce the country's carbon emissions. From next July vehicle registration tax will be based on carbon dioxide emission ratings rather than engine size.