Vol. 548 No. 4
49 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he proposes to take measures to alleviate the plight of low income farmers who have difficulty in meeting payment commitments on their land annuities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4902/02]
The difficulties encountered by low-income farmers in discharging land annuities were alleviated by writing off small annuities in 1979, 1989 and 1992. Additionally, a discounted buy out scheme for farmers was introduced in 1993. This provided for a 50% discount on the annuity redemption figure, conditional on all arrears being discharged.
