Agriculture Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024

Thursday, 22 February 2024

Questions (234)

Alan Dillon

Question:

234. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he has considered the possible tax implications for some farmers of receiving a double ACRES payment in 2024; the level of tax disregards applied to ACRES payments; whether he has engaged with other Departments on this matter; whether he has considered the possible impact on thresholds for SUSI applications for some farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8520/24]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Deputy will be aware that taxation policy is primarily the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Finance, and that the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has responsibility for the operation of the taxation system.

The Deputy may also be aware that thresholds for SUSI applications is a matter for Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), who operate the National Student Grant Scheme in the higher education sector.

However, my Department does engage on taxation issues relating to the agri-food sector with a view to supporting Government policy in this regard.

In this context, there is a system for income averaging for farmers, and further information can be found at www.revenue.ie. This is an important agri-taxation measure and it assists in addressing income volatility in allowing farmers to pay tax based on the average of five years’ farming profits and losses.