Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Finance the number of farmers that availed of the new stock relief incentive introduced in Budget 2012 to encourage farm partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44676/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The stock relief for registered farm partnerships, announced in Budget 2012, is subject to a Commencement Order and State Aid approval. This relief is available to all farmers who participate in a registered farm partnership, defined as a milk production partnership within the meaning of the European Communities (Milk Quota) Regulations 2008. I am informed by Teagasc that they currently have 640 milk production partnerships on their register.

However, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that no information is available as yet on the actual number of applications for the new stock relief incentive for farm partnerships because this scheme will be applied for via the partnership’s tax return, and the returns for 2012 will not be submitted until 2013.