Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)

The Ministers says taxation is a matter for the Minister for Finance but the Minister for Finance should listen to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The Minister must show his commitment to the family farm, the cornerstone of farming in Ireland, bearing in mind we have already discussed the opportunities for food production for an increasing population. Will the Minister assure us the family farm will not be forced out of existence by tax impositions currently being considered? The farming community want a definite and absolute commitment that will not happen.

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