Vol. 512 No. 7
193 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the average payment made to farm families through the small farmers dole scheme on 31 December 1998 and the average paid under the farm assist scheme on 30 November 1999. [27248/99]
194 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of people receiving small farmers dole at 31 December 1998; the number remaining on the scheme on 30 November 1999; the number on the farm assist scheme on 30 November 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27249/99]
195 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the additional moneys put aside for the new farm assist scheme introduced earlier this year; the amount paid out; the plan for payment of the balance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27250/99]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 193 to 195, inclusive, together.
The farm assist scheme, which introduced the special arrangements for farmers on low incomes, was provided for in the Social Welfare Act, 1999 and came into operation with effect from 7 April 1999.
The number of claimants in receipt of small-holders unemployment assistance on 31 December 1998 was 6,559, with an average payment during the year of £74.60 per week.
On 27 November 1999, there were 6,961 farm assist claims in payment, with a further 341 claims under investigation. In addition, 925 claims were still in payment under the smallholders scheme, making a total of 8,227.
Former smallholders who opted for farm assist are receiving on average £83 per week, which represents an increase of £8 per week compared with the average payment made under the smallholders scheme.
New applicants to farm assist are receiving an average payment of £56 per week.
In 1998, £27.8 million was expended under the smallholders unemployment assistance scheme. The provision, in 1999, for the smallholders unemployment assistance-farm assist scheme was £38 million. The number of applicants to date is less than was envisaged at the time the estimates were drawn up.
It is estimated that some £32 million will be spent this year under the smallholders unemployment assistance and farm assist schemes. A provision of £38 million has been included in the estimates for these schemes for next year.
I am satisfied that farm assist represents a worthwhile improvement in the financial provision for low income farmers. It is of particular benefit to farm families with children, because of the special disregard in respect of children but also provides increased payments to couples without children and to single farmers on low income.
