Dr. Shane Whelan:

I totally agree with Mr. Cullinan in that the exemption is exactly what we would seek.

To the earlier point, in respect of any proposal, a cost-benefit analysis needs to be done on the potential revenue generation capacity of the tax itself. I think, from reading the commission report, it is adopted in only a very small number of countries and that it is very administratively difficult and burdensome and the actual returns can be relatively small across many nations. While the OECD does acknowledge the tax as being important in being a recurring tax, it is essential that it is fair and affordable for the individuals concerned. As our president said, and as we have stated in our opening statement, when 60% of farmers are earning less than the minimum wage, serious analysis needs to be done on the fairness and equality of imposing a site value tax on farmers.