Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful that the Tánaiste is willing to raise it with the Minister, Deputy Noonan. The critical point is that there is no difference in our collective intent of seeking to ensure that agriculture and productive land are in the hands of young active farmers. However, there has been a distinctive situation in the past decade, particularly with regard to smaller holdings in rural Ireland. It might not always be sons - there might be daughters involved - but in the cases I know of it is a male progeny who has been displaced, because there was no other activity available for employment within the area to sustain that extra person in the smallholding concerned and they were forced to emigrate. If a sudden death occurs and there is a consequential inheritance, it is not that simple for somebody to extract themselves immediately from whatever circumstances they might be in, be it business or commercial activity or employment. That applies to the people I know.

I agree that there must be timeframes. We are suggesting a further timeframe in this context: that there be a period of grace for people in the circumstances I described. It could be three years, but this can be determined. I merely suggest that it be considered. It would be tragic if, due to the economic reality we have experienced and the fact that these people have been forced to emigrate, they were further penalised as a result of their inability to relocate here immediately. That is what will happen from 1 January next if the Bill is passed as it is currently drafted. I again ask that a period of grace be provided.

I also ask for interchangeability between the six years of active farming and the six years of leasing. The Bill refers to somebody who leases the agricultural property for not less than six years. They might already have had the intention of returning, and with the demise of their parent or parents would wish to return home much sooner, but the Bill as it is drafted locks them into that period, which would be penal in the circumstances. The support of the Tánaiste and the Minister would be appreciated.

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