The programme for Government makes reference to the fair deal scheme. It is my understanding that long overdue changes will be implemented, and one of these changes is the three year cap on the time charge on farm assets. In light of the fact farming families have waited so long for these changes and are under great pressure, including in my constituency of Laois-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. How long will it take for the changes to take effect? I call on the Government to take urgent action on this issue.

I thank Deputy Nolan for raising this issue. My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, has been working very closely with the IFA on it. We agree there needs to be greater equity and fairness for farming families and small business owners in the fair deal scheme. I expect the Minister of State, Deputy Daly, to have definitive proposals on this very shortly which he will bring to Cabinet. We will then need the co-operation of the Oireachtas to pass legislation and I hope all parties will support us in passing it as quickly as possible. We will have news on it very shortly.