asked the Minister for Finance if he can state the total annual contribution made by farmers towards national and local taxation directly and indirectly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farmers' Contribution to Taxation.
Statistics are not available to show the total annual contribution made by farmers, directly and indirectly, to national and local taxation. It is estimated, however, that farmers contribute less than 5 per cent. of the total yield of income-tax and surtax.
Having regard to the fact that the Minister stated last week that farmers were receiving £10,000,000 out of national expenditure generally, in fairness to the agricultural community, the Minister should state what farmers pay in rates, land annuities and in form of direct and indirect and in the form of direct and indirect taxation.
I have informed the Deputy that they contribute less than 5 per cent of income-tax and surtax. If the Deputy asks the question in the precise form in which he has put it now, it will be answered, but it would be impossible to separate the revenue from customs and excise to show the different payments made by farmers as distinct from the rest of the community.
Does the Minister not realise that it is unfair to the agricultural community to represent them as paying only 5 per cent. of direct taxation——
I did not say that. I said they do not pay 5 per cent. of the total yield of income-tax and surtax.
That is only one form of taxation.
It is the only one for which I have figures.
Would the Minister admit that they pay a very substantial proportion of the indirect taxation of the country?
I should not like to assent to that.