Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

-----there is a group discussion, yet it is unusual to have group voting. We might agree with some measures during the course of the night, yet be forced to oppose them because we are opposed to other resolutions in their groupings. I want people to understand.

I will be brief to allow other Deputies an opportunity. My colleague, Deputy Ó Cuív, will wish to discuss Financial Resolution No. 4. We will oppose the reduction in the farmers' flat rate addition from 5.2% to 4.8%. The Taoiseach stated that based on CSO figures and macrostatistics covering several years, this reduction will have no great effect but the figures before the House refer to collecting an extra €18 million in 2013 and an extra €21 million in a full year. That €21 million must come from somewhere, namely, farmers. I do not accept the argument that it will have no effect. It is not revenue neutral and places an extra cost on farmers.

The Taoiseach's final comment was on the change in respect of off-the-road vehicles, which is not specifically mentioned in the motion. Legislation will be introduced next year. We accept that an illegitimate loophole must be closed off but we are already being told on budget night that there will be supplementary budgets as the year goes on to address different issues and increase revenue.

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