Seymour Crawford
Question:64 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of farmers on the small holders' assistance on 31 December 1998; and the average payment received. [2947/00]
Written Answers. - Farm Assist Scheme.
Seymour Crawford
Question:65 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of small farmers receiving payment under the new farm assist scheme on 31 December 1999; the average payment; the number of these who were new applicants compared to 1998; and if he will make a statement on whether the new farm assist scheme has benefited as many farm families as he had hoped. [2948/00]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 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 31 December 1999 7,117 farm assist claims were in payment, of which 1,688 were new applications, 4,990 were former smallholders and 439 comprise claimants transferring from widower's non-contributory pensions, pre-retirement and disability allowances. A further 303 claims were under investigation.
Under the small-holders scheme, 753 claims were still in payment at the end of 1999. The average payment to the 4,990 former small-holders who transferred to farm assist on 31 December was £83.06 per week. This represents an average increase of £8.46 per week on payments made under the small-holders unemployment assistance scheme. New applicants to farm assist are receiving an average payment of £56.63.
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 with out children and to single farmers on low income. While the numbers who applied were less than expected, significant gains have been made by new applicants who are receiving on average in excess of £2,500 per annum under the scheme. Farmers on low incomes may still apply. Application forms and information leaflets are available in all local social welfare offices.