John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

The sell-off powers in section 4 are designed to ensure that farmers who retain their annuities maintain payments thereafter. We have an obligation to the Exchequer and those who have discharged their annuities in the past had to ensure that ongoing financial obligations were met on time. I propose that section 4 remain without alteration.

Some Deputies mentioned the compassionate nature of people in the Land Commission in Cavan. The measure will only be applied after consultation with the annuitant and in a proportionate and compassionate manner. I do not know of any situation where the Department ever took a full payment from a farmer and I doubt it will happen in this case.

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