Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Tá an Seanadóir níos cliste inniu agus sin an fáth go bhfuil an leasú os ár gcomhair. Tá mé ag iarraidh, áfach, an rud ceart a dhéanamh do na feirmeoirí. Bhí seansanna acu cheanna leis seo a dhéanamh agus fuair siad tacaíocht ó mo chomhghleacaí. Ní féidir seo a dhéanamh níos fearr.

Senator Coonan's proposal would only increase eligibility for the write-off to another 1,000 farmers. My predecessor had discussions with the relevant Departments and nothing better can be provided with regard to this deal. The legislation must provide the best deal possible for farmers while ensuring justification and equitable balance between the taxpayer and the annuitant. The Government has gone beyond the commitment given in the Sustaining Progress agreement "significantly to reduce the burden of land purchase annuities for substantial numbers of farmers". The burden will be removed for 4,500 farmers.

I appreciate Senator Coonan's point and his amendment carries some merit. However, I am not in a position to allow the proposed provision to proceed.