Farmers’ cost burden must be cut
Presenting the ICMSA pre-budget submission to Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy, he said the Government imposed costs of over €70 million on the farming sector in the 2003 book of estimates and budget.
“This is clearly unacceptable and must be changed. ICMSA is calling for increases in the VAT rebate to farmers, a reduction in disease levies and changes to the stamp duty and capital allowances regimes to reduce costs on farmers in the 2004 budget,” he said.
Mr O’Rourke said the Government has committed itself in the Sustaining Progress agreement to ensuring a fair and balanced taxation system.
In order to achieve this objective Minister McCreevy must finally abolish the PAYE tax credit in Budget 2004 and replace it with improved personal tax credits for all taxpayers.
The ICMSA leader said the minister must take a number of steps to help farmers through the severe income crisis crippling the sector and to renew their confidence in the Government.
Mr O’Rourke said the minister now has an opportunity to gear this budget towards ensuring the future viability of farm families.
“The sector is also now facing the implementation of the mid-term review and full decoupling of direct payments which will place additional income pressures on many farmers,” he said.
