asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider altering the present system of qualification for unemployment assistance in respect of smallholders in the congested areas, as the present system is outmoded because of its direct relationship to the 1852 land valuation system.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance.
51.
The present method of assessing the farm income for unemployment assistance purposes of smallholders in the congested areas has been in operation only since January, 1966.
This system determines farm income on the basis of the rateable valuation of the land and replaces, in those areas the traditional system of periodic investigation of actual net income from stock and crops, the object being to remove the disincentive effects attributed to the latter method. The change was made only after an exhausive examination of the problem by my own and other Departments and by the Government. The existing land valuations were found to constitute the only workable basis for a new simplified and readily intelligible system of assessing farm income in the congested areas and I am satisfied that nothing has occurred since the new system was introduced, to alter that conclusion.
It is 1857. The Deputy has 1852 down in the question. It does not matter.
"...1852 Land Valuation..."
1857.