Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has rubbished claims that farmers are concerned as to the tax implications of a Sinn Féin government.
She said that a front page story in this week’s Irish Farmers Journal misrepresents her party’s policy as well as comments from the reported meeting.
Deputy Kerrane said that those who want to maintain the status-quo are ‘clearly attempting to scare farmers.’
She said that Sinn Féin is “absolutely committed to maintaining existing tax reliefs available to farmers.”
“Farm organisations know this and any financial advisor worth their fees should know this.”
Deputy Kerrane said the primary concern regarding agricultural tax reliefs is the frustrating manner in which they are currently extended — often months after budget day.
“Under Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, many farmers have seen their incomes drop, CAP supports reduced while uncertainties for the future have increased. Sinn Féin will strive to reverse those trends,” she said.
“I have spoken to farmers who attended the meeting and they tell me that there was no reference to Sinn Féin at all at the meeting.”
Deputy Kerrane said that Sinn Féin will be engaging with the Irish Farmers Journal to seek clarification on these matters.
