Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)

I congratulate the Minister on the agricultural aspect of the budget. It is quite an achievement that despite a reduction of some €105 million in the allocation for his Department, there is broad acceptance that the budget included many positive aspects from an agricultural perspective. That deserves recognition. The stamp duty reduction and the retention of the half rate with a sunset clause until the end of 2014 will encourage those who are in the process of making decisions to move forward. In addition, the protection of the 90% agricultural relief and the suckler welfare scheme are very welcome.

I see great merit in encouraging farming partnerships, which offer many positive benefits. However, we must also be cognisant of the pitfalls that may arise in this regard. While such arrangements are no different from any business in some ways, we are all aware of situations where arguments have arisen within families over wills and so on. When land is involved, such matters can get messy. The Minister referred to machinery, but we could end up seeing family homes form part of such arrangements. There may be a role for Teagasc in this regard. Above all, we must ensure that farmers, particularly young farmers, who enter into such partnerships are given adequate advice and that the potential pitfalls are highlighted. It is important that there be an exit strategy. These issues must be given proper consideration and people must understand that life may change in the coming years, thus making a partnership model potentially less beneficial.

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