Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture, Éamon Ó Cuív, has slammed the Government, calling its offering for farmers in Budget 2015 ‘derisory’.

“The tax package announced for farmers in yesterday’s budget is nothing short of derisory. It consisted of minor concessions and a number of renewals of time limited taxes.

“The total package amounts to €5.9 million shared between 120,000 farmers other than the automatic adjustment of the VAT rebate to non-registered farmers. Amongst the major omissions was tax relief on long-term leases between family members which should be encouraged to ensure early intergenerational transfer of land.

He said the Minister Simon Coveney did not provide for deposit relief which is a way to deal with farm price volatility. “He also did not introduce simplified tax returns system for small farmers, which is disappointing.

“This all has to be taken in the context of 2015, which is the year that the lowest amount of direct payments will be available for farmers between Single Farm Payment and the rural development package.

“Fianna Fáil will look closely at the document published yesterday on farm tax and make a detailed response in due course. In general, the announcements yesterday will not have any significant impact on the vast majority of farmers.”