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

I am concerned about the fair deal scheme. I highlighted my concerns when we originally debated the Bill. Nothing will ever change my opinion that assessing the farm for the fair deal scheme is wrong. In every other instance, only the dwelling house is assessed. If the Government were to be fair, only the dwelling house on the farm would be assessed in these cases. This decision is putting a burden on the young person who is trying to run the farm. It need not even be a large farm. For example, a farm could be valued at €500,000. At 7.5%, that is €37,500 per year. Most farms are valued at between €700,000 and €900,000. This decision will make the farm worthless in the end and place a noose around the neck of the young fella or whoever is trying to run the farm. It can be a spouse or whoever. What the Government is proposing is too much and it is being unfair, democratic and selective towards farmers. In every other instance, only the dwelling house is assessed. I cannot understand how the Government cannot see that and is continuing with this decision to rope more people in and ensure it gets its claws into their land as well. The Government is going to make farms unviable. A farm is a livelihood. Many people confuse it with being an asset that is worth a certain amount of money, but that is not the case. If people do not farm it and make money out of it, they cannot pay for and hold onto it. I ask that the Government reconsider this decision. We would not be discussing cousins, uncles, grandchildren of cousins or whoever else otherwise. What the Government is at is ridiculous. It will be difficult for Revenue officials to go after this, it will cost more than will be gained and it will put people under savage pressure. If they have to pay €37,500 per year on €500,000 farms, for how long will the Government be able to take that money from them if they have to be in homes for three, four or five years? It is unfair and undemocratic.

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