Offaly TD demands fair deal for farmers

Speaking at ‘Questions on Promised legislation’ in the Dáil this week, Sinn Fein TD for Offaly Carol Nolan questioned Health Minister Simon Harris on his promise to implement changes in January 2018 to the Fair Deal Scheme.

Deputy Nolan specifically referred to farmers and the three-year cap on the time charge on farm assets.

“In light of the fact that farming families have waited so long for these changes and are under great pressure, including in my constituency of Offaly where many farming families have approached me and lobbied me on this issue, it is only right that we introduce these changes as quickly as possible," she said.

She then asked the Minister “How long will it take for the changes to come into effect?” and urged the Government to take urgent action on the issue.

In response Minister Harris advised that the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, has been working very closely with the IFA on the matter and all were in agreement that “there needs to be greater equity and fairness for farming families and small business owners in the Fair Deal scheme."

Minister Harris indicated that he expects to have definitive proposals to put before the Oireachtas soon, which will require the co-operation of all the Members to pass into legislation as quickly as possible. Minister Harris finished by stating, "we will have news on this very shortly.”