Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

John O'Leary

Question:

739 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the rate of unemployment assistance currently payable to small farmers in view of the substantial and growing decrease in the price of cattle, including calves and weanlings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15390/96]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

Income from farming is assessed as means for unemployment assistance purposes under rule 1 (3) of the Third Schedule to the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1993, as the yearly value accruing from the use of property. The legislation is designed to ensure that the means assessment reflects the actual position taking account of all income and expenses associated with the farm.

The procedure followed in the assessment of means of farmers applying for unemployment assistance is to take details of the previous year's income as a reference point and to update this information in the light of the current and expected position over the years ahead. Where the outcome is considered likely to be different, an adjustment is made to reflect this.

It is open to any smallholder to apply for a review of the means assessed against him or her if, at any point, his or her circumstances have changed. If the smallholder is still dissatisfied with an assessment, he or she can appeal to the independent social welfare appeals office.