Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hardship Grant Scheme.

Andrew Boylan

Question:

123 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cavan was not paid compensation under the hardship grant scheme from November 1996 to January 1997; the reason he was refused; his views on the way he could have supported his wife and children for the period when he had no income from his farm; his views on whether, if this person's wife was in full time permanent employment, he would qualify regardless of her income; if he will introduce legislation to change this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2511/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The person named qualified to be considered for payment of a hardship grant on 2 January 1997. However, the hardship grant was not paid as he was deemed to be in receipt of an off-farm income on 3 January 1997.

The hardship grant scheme is aimed at assisting eligible herdowners with a restricted holding where animals are retained and fed during period of restriction. One of the essential prerequisites laid down for qualifying for the hardship grant is that it is only the herdowners on-farm income which is taken into consideration for qualification.

It is not envisaged that the qualifying criteria for the hardship grant will be altered at the moment.