Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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675. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37667/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I recently met with the Association of Farm Contractors in Ireland (FCI) to discuss the matters raised in their submission. The sustained period of lower commodity prices has caused cash flow difficulties for farmers in several sectors, which consequently affects service providers such as farm contractors. I have committed to working with all the stakeholders to address the issues involved and ensure that we continue to have a sustainable and resilient sector. As part of the recent Budget, I announced a “three pillar strategy” to alleviate the pressures of income volatility through lower cost finance, tax measures and farm payments.

While taxation policy is primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Finance, our two Departments continuously liaise on agri-taxation matters and I make an annual submission in advance of the Budget. I will ensure that the Department of Finance is informed of the various issues raised by FCI. Considerable progress was made in the recent budget, including the extension of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s accelerated capital allowance scheme for energy efficient equipment to non-incorporated businesses, and increased equity within the income tax system for the self-employed.

Hedge cutting controls are primarily a responsibility for the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs under the Wildlife Act.

You may be aware that last week I announced that the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) has invited banks and other lenders to take part in the "Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme". My Department and the SBCI have been working closely on the Scheme and the SBCI is targeting that the loans will be available in the market by the end of January 2017. I clarified at the meeting with FCI that these loans will be available to farmers or SMEs engaged in primary agricultural production.