Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I am sorry to disappoint Senator Coonan. I like the inclusion of the words "following consultation with the Minister for Finance" in the amendment but even if I were to accept it, the Department of Finance would not approve its provision.

This issue was negotiated by my predecessor. The value of land has increased considerably and the annuities are comparatively minor. A write-off for 4,500 farmers represents the fairest possible provision by my Department. The Department did its best to deal with arrears by offering re-negotiated deals to farmers in difficulty but no effort was made by some of the latter. As is common, people leave matters to the last minute, when pressure is applied, before dealing with their affairs. Each of us may be guilty of taking such a lackadaisical approach. I appreciate Senator Coonan's argument in attempting to attract more farmers to the Bill's provisions but the 25% write-off is as fair as the Department can be on this occasion. I do not wish to be disingenuous to Members by saying I could find myself in a position where the Senator's proposal would be acceptable.