Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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146. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the subsidies paid to farmers affected by ash dieback will be liable for any form of taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10978/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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It is important to point out that taxation is a matter for the Minister of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners.

The only funding scheme available to ash forest owners currently is the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback scheme. This scheme is a cost based scheme of grants for site clearance and re-planting and payments under this scheme would not, therefore, be considered income subject to taxation. Many ash owners will be recipients of subsequent premiums under their original ash planting scheme and these will continue along with a top up premium. Premiums are not subject to income tax but may be subject to USC.

Minister of State Pippa Hackett is currently preparing an action plan on ash dieback to bring to Cabinet. The details of this action plan will be published after Cabinet approval.