Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Not great. Many Senators have spoken about the effects of Storm Ophelia, and I, too, extend my sympathies to the three bereaved families. This is a very difficult time for them. Likewise, I commend all who were involved in yesterday's efforts.

I join Senators Mullen and Colm Burke in raising the issue of stamp duty. While there were many positive aspects to last week's budget for the agriculture sector, including the €25 million for areas of natural constraint, low-interest loans and increased investment in the targeted agricultural modernisation schemes, TAMS, I am extremely disappointed by the effect on farmers of the increase in stamp duty from 2% to 6%. Margins are extremely tight at the moment and I have received numerous calls over the past week from active, genuine farmers who want to be progressive and to build farm enterprises. They are now experiencing a huge hike from 2% to 6% where they want to purchase a bit of land or consolidate holdings.

I have two points to make. First, while the young farmer relief is very positive for farmers under the age of 35, I know very few farmers that age who can afford to purchase land. Second, the consanguinity relief is very restrictive.I have spoken with the Minister for Finance and emphasised strongly that we know there are so many farmers over the age of 67 who have not transferred land to their family members. It is essential, therefore, that this matter be considered. However, we need to go further. We must properly understand that it was the agricultural sector which turned this country around and we need to properly support genuine, active farmers. I ask the Minister to look at the consanguinity relief and the wider issue of the major hike, from 2% to 6%, in stamp duty in the budget.