Kelleher, an MEP for Ireland South, said that he agrees with Taoiseach Micheál Martin that reform is needed in the system

A survey found that 60 per cent of people think the family home should be exempt

The plan had been put forward by the Department of Rural and Community Development to “foster a more philanthropic culture” amongst the wealthiest in Ireland

It comes as his Coalition leader in Fianna Fáil has pledged to reduce inheritance tax to 25 per cent and raise the thresholds for paying it.

The biggest budget in the history of the State has been unveiled, the last before an upcoming General Election.