Page 87 of the programme for Government stated that changes will be made to remove discrimination against small businesses and family farms under the fair deal scheme. Almost two and a half years later, can the Taoiseach give a guarantee that family farm assets will be excluded when calculating applications under the fair deal scheme? If farmland and assets are subject to charge under the scheme the livelihoods of farm families will be at risk. These assets have to be excluded completely. Can the Taoiseach give a guarantee that they will be?

The proposal to put a cap on the 7.5% for farm assets is at an advanced stage. I hope to bring it to Government in the next two weeks for approval and to proceed to bring the legislation to the House. I hope in the next two weeks it will secure Government approval.