Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his presentation. Without agriculture and the agri-industry, rural areas would be decimated because IDA Ireland and other bodies have washed their hands of rural areas. We must continue to invest. It is far more productive when spending penetrates down into rural communities, helping to retain rural businesses.

In respect of GLAS and AEOS will the €250 million be allocated in 2016 to ensure payment in full to all GLAS and AEOS participants? The TAMS has been a success with €34 million disbursed last year. Does he anticipate that sum will be increased in the budget? The Minister opened two new schemes and the payment is very important in that context.

In the area of knowledge transfer, I read somewhere about administrative and indemnity issues in relation to the operation of the scheme with Teagasc. Has that been sorted out? I anticipate that will be ironed out and the revenue issues will be sorted so that the Teagasc personnel are not put at a disadvantage.

I am unequivocal in my support for the beef data genomics programme. It is absolutely critical to the beef industry. Some time ago the Minister indicated that he would meet the farm organisations. Perhaps he and his officials would meet the farm organisation to iron out some teething problems. Clarification is required. One hears daily about people wanting to leave the scheme, but that is foolhardy and I urge them to reconsider and stay within the scheme. I see significant potential in that scheme. It is important that the Minister goes into a room with the farm organisations and clarifies matters for them.

The comprehensive review of agri-taxation issues is worth €300 million a year. This is very welcome. This is targeted to increase land mobility and restructuring. Farmers like many who are self employed are being treated inequitably in the taxation system, because a self employed person is entitled to a self employed income tax credit equivalent to that available to the PAYE sector. I ask the Minister to beseech his colleagues, the Minister for Finance to ensure that it is given to self employed and farmers in particular. It is very important to bring equity and equality within the taxation treatment of individuals. Farmers are no different and it would be very important to them, especially for farmers on low incomes.

There is the issue of income averaging in terms of those who derive an income from forestry. The income generation is up and down. That is extremely important. I urge that this be brought into play immediately.