Agriculture Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024

Wednesday, 7 February 2024

Ceisteanna (383, 384)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

383. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if ACRES payments, both under the general and co-operation projects, are subject to income tax and USC, his views on same, if he will comment on scenarios where an individual receiving two ACRES payments in 2024 will be subject to a greater level of taxation than would otherwise have been the case had ACRES payments been paid in 2023 and 2024 as previously announced, and, as a consequence, will receive a lower level of after-tax support under ACRES, if he is considering action to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5024/24]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

384. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if ACRES payments, both under the general and co-operation projects, are subject to income tax and USC, his views on same, if he will comment on scenarios where an individual receiving two ACRES payments in 2024 will be subject to a greater level of taxation than would otherwise have been the case had ACRES payments been paid in 2023 and 2024 as previously announced, and, as a consequence, will receive a lower level of after-tax support under ACRES, if he is considering action to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5026/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 383 and 384 together.

Taxation policy is primarily the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Finance, and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has responsibility for the operation of the taxation system. However, we do engage on taxation issues relating to the agri-food sector with a view to supporting Government policy in this regard.

In this context, the Deputy may also be aware that there is a system for income averaging for farmers. 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.

Question No. 384 answered with Question No. 383.