Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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While taxation policy is primarily the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Finance, I work closely with him to ensure that it is consistent with the Government's priorities for the agri-food sector.

One of the measures designed to support farmers is relief from Capital Gains Tax (CGT), where farmland is sold for farm restructuring purposes. Farm Restructuring Relief applies to the sale and purchase of land leading to reduced fragmentation of the overall farm holding. The sale and purchase must result in an overall reduction in the distance between farm parcels, thereby making the farm more efficient and improving the operation and viability of the farm.

Section 604B Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 (TCA) provides for this Relief and specifies that a Farm Restructuring Certificate must be issued by Teagasc to the farmer restructuring his or her holding. It identifies the lands and certifies that Teagasc is satisfied that the sale and purchase of lands complies with the conditions of restructuring as set out in the Farm Restructuring Guidelines, which are attached as requested, and are also available online.

Transactions eligible for Farm Restructuring Relief may also be eligible for Stamp Duty Relief for farm consolidation at a reduced rate of 1%.