Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Maybe a bit earlier. We are now almost halfway into the new year and we are still wobbling, over and back, trying to decide what is what. When will there be a definitive list for farmers? The problem, which Senator Lombard mentioned, is there are many farmers who will not buy something because they do not know whether they can get the VAT back. Maybe they can in a month's time, but what is happening is we are having a lull in many sectors for the simple reason that a large number of people are sitting on the fence until they see what is going to happen. That is not good for an industry involving engineering, etc.

The Revenue gets in the VAT. If I am a welder, I make a gate. I charge Johnny down the road the VAT for doing so and I send in the details of the VAT paid. Is it fair to say that the Revenue is not giving it or anything extra to the farmer and that it is money that, to be frank, is going round in a circle?