Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Naughten for raising this issue. I fully understand the points he is making. I accept the age profile of the suckler herd owners is increasing and there are challenges. We have to try to address some of these challenges so that young people can get an opportunity. I know the Deputy wants to see the income disregard introduced for older farmers who lease out their land. He raised it on Second Stage.

As the Deputy is aware, the Bill extensively extends the list of agri-environment schemes that attract a disregard for the farm assist scheme and the non-contributory State pension. The measure supports the Government's climate change agenda and will act as an incentive for farmers to participate in these schemes. The measure also extends the list of environmental schemes that attract a disregard in a corresponding way for the farm assist scheme and the non-contributory State pension.

The measure in the Bill will, therefore, support older and younger farmers availing of these grants. I do commit to carrying out a report on increasing the disregard for leasing land for the State non-contributory pension and farm assist. The Deputy will be aware that the rent per acre of land has gone up in value and, in order to target resources at those most in need, we could not ignore entirely the rental income from leasing the land. I take his point that we should consider giving some disregard there. He will understand that I do not wish to put this into legislation, but I give him a commitment that I will carry out this report. He has my word on that. I will do it in such a way that we can take account of it ahead of the next budget.

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