Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

With regard to the farmers' flat rate and Deputy Johnny Brady's comments, VAT incurred on the construction of farm buildings and land drainage is still reclaimable. The amounts of VAT reclaimed under the provisions mentioned by the Deputy were of the order of €32 million in 2005 and the same amount to the end of October 2006. There is no change.

I listened to the Deputy talking about his land being bisected — the one dividend will be the many sites on which to put up election posters on either side of the road.

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