Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Sorry Ceann Comhairle but there is because I studied it earlier. This is going completely against the programme for Government with regard to supporting agriculture. A total of 400 farmers received a letter, what is called an aspect query. I do not know whether the Taoiseach has ever received one of these, but I know what they are. They received an aspect query from the Revenue Commissioners with respect to Kerry Group shares received under the patronage arrangement. In case the Taoiseach does not know what this is, a milk supplier receives a patronage share for milk supplied. These farmers were of the belief this was not additional trading income to their families so it was not accounted for. Now they are being told they must pay tax on it at a time when our dairy sector and our agricultural sector in general is on its knees. Only yesterday 400 of these farmers received this letter at a critical time.

I am very sorry our legendary Minister for Finance, for whom I have great respect as the Taoiseach knows, is not in the Chamber because I would like him to answer this question. I would like him to come back to us and tell us what in the name of God are the Revenue Commissioners doing to write out to 400 farmers out of the blue. It is ridiculous and it is wrong. I ask the Taoiseach to please look into it.

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