Arising from concerns expresssed about the needs of low income farm families, I met with representatives of farm organisations to explore the potential within the social welfare system of providing income support to farmers on low incomes. The position of low income farmers without children is being considered in the context of these ongoing discussions.
The Deputy will be aware that under existing arrangements, smallholders whose income falls below the rate of unemployment assistance (UA) appropriate to their family circumstances are entitled to claim UA. In the context of the difficulties facing farmers affected by the recent bad season, a number of improvements are being introduced so as to increase access to the scheme by low income farmers.
For instance, farmers already on the scheme are being encouraged to come forward for reassessment of means; efforts are being intensified to increase awareness of the scheme and to emphasise its applicability to farmers; and in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Food, the means assessment procedure is being reviewed to ensure that it takes full account of the recent deterioration in farm incomes.
Any further changes can only be considered in a budgetary context.
