John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will pass on the Senator's concerns to the Minister. There is a clear commitment from the Taoiseach and the Minister regarding the potential for KfW. Equally, however, Bank of Ireland plans a major new initiative for the fourth quarter involving its prominent branch network engaging with farmers at marts. As part of National Enterprise Week, the bank will be holding a series of agriculture credit clinics. In respect of AIB, the edition of Agri Matters for summer and autumn 2013 was circulated to farming customers beginning in August. Agri Mattersis AIB's publication aimed at farming customers and has a circulation of 15,000. Following the launch in July by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of AIB's dairy sector report which was prepared in partnership with the Irish Farmers Association, the bank hosted a series of engagements with regional key stakeholders. The budget extended capital gains tax retirement relief to the disposal of farmland in certain circumstances to encourage older farmers to lease their land under long-term arrangements. Relief for young trained farmers was also extended by adding three courses to the list of eligible qualifications. The Government is conscious of the importance of the agri-economy and properly functioning banks.