Denis Naughten has called for a carbon tax exemption for farmers, saying “you can’t put cattle on to busses”.
Speaking at the finance committee on Wednesday 6 November, Naughten pointed out that electric tractors are not available in Ireland and “farmers don't have an alternative to avoid carbon tax, so an exemption should apply”.
Rebate
He acknowledged that there is a provision in the current taxation law that allows farmers to apply for a rebate, but it is only available to farmers that are liable to pay tax.
He outlined the difficulties that farmers have been facing this year.
“I could count on one hand the number of beef farmers that will actually have a taxable income this year, so they will not be in a position for a cash refund,” he said.
The deputy outlined that a working family living in a rural area and commuting to work could be facing a €6/week increase in tax, compared with those living in cities facing a charge of 30c/week.
Support
Michael Fitzmaurice also backed the motion: “The beef and sheep sector is on its knees and, on top of that, 78% to 80% of all farm work is done by contractors and you’re bringing it [carbon tax] in on 1 May, the very day they start going out with silage harvesters, so I support Deputy Naughten.”
Read more
Bring future food vision down to farm level
IFA hustings: farmers on calves, sucklers, IFA, sheep and carbon tax
Denis Naughten has called for a carbon tax exemption for farmers, saying “you can’t put cattle on to busses”.
Speaking at the finance committee on Wednesday 6 November, Naughten pointed out that electric tractors are not available in Ireland and “farmers don't have an alternative to avoid carbon tax, so an exemption should apply”.
Rebate
He acknowledged that there is a provision in the current taxation law that allows farmers to apply for a rebate, but it is only available to farmers that are liable to pay tax.
He outlined the difficulties that farmers have been facing this year.
“I could count on one hand the number of beef farmers that will actually have a taxable income this year, so they will not be in a position for a cash refund,” he said.
The deputy outlined that a working family living in a rural area and commuting to work could be facing a €6/week increase in tax, compared with those living in cities facing a charge of 30c/week.
Support
Michael Fitzmaurice also backed the motion: “The beef and sheep sector is on its knees and, on top of that, 78% to 80% of all farm work is done by contractors and you’re bringing it [carbon tax] in on 1 May, the very day they start going out with silage harvesters, so I support Deputy Naughten.”
Read more
Bring future food vision down to farm level
IFA hustings: farmers on calves, sucklers, IFA, sheep and carbon tax
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