asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will change the method at present being used in assessing the qualifications of relatives as joint managers with owners who are transitional farmers over 55 years of age, in order to qualify them for a 30 per cent grant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transitional Farmers.
28.
I am satisfied that the method used at present is a reasonable one and I do not propose to change it.
I understood that joint management was concerned in this clause. It is my information that sons must be the sellers, the buyers and everything else before they qualify. Many elderly farmers would like to go out and buy stock jointly with their sons and the sons were never aware that they did not qualify if that position obtained. I know of young farmers who are being questioned as to whether they are the complete owners of the farm. The Minister should have a serious look at this matter. I am not happy about the qualifications for joint management.
We are not free to decide on this matter on our own but we are anxious to get the sort of managerial arrangements that will overcome the difficulties referred to by the Deputy.
I am aware that the Minister is keen on this. Will the Minister have a look at this because the word "joint" is not applicable any longer? A person must be complete owner and that is what I object to.
Regardless of what is on paper an elderly farmer can go out and buy cattle. However, I will have a look at the matter.