Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 4

Written Answers. - Farm Assist Scheme.

Dick Spring

Question:

56 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his views on whether the farm assist scheme has reached its full potential; the further measures, if any, which need to be taken by his Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to encourage greater participation in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6106/00]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

Some 7,400 farm families are currently in receipt of payments under the farm assist scheme, and some 800 other claimants of unemployment assistance have yet to transfer to the new scheme.

While this level of take-up is less than had been anticipated when the scheme was first introduced in April 1999, the benefits to those who have joined the scheme have been significant. Almost 2,300 new claimants are in receipt of payments, with an average weekly payment of £57. This includes 439 claimants who transferred to the new scheme from welfare payments other than smallholder's unemployment assistance.

There are a number of factors which have an impact on the take-up of the scheme; notably, there is the significant increase in off-farm employment in recent years.

In order to enhance the effectiveness of the scheme, the Social Welfare Bill, 2000, which is currently before the House, provides for two key improvements to the scheme, to take effect from October of this year. The child-related income disregards are being increased in each case by £100 bringing them to £200 in respect of each of the first two children and to £300 in respect of the third and subsequent children. The means assessment rate is being reduced from 80% to 70%. I should mention that claimants of farm assist will also benefit from the improved capital assessment regime which is also being introduced in the Social Welfare Bill, 2000. These measures, as well as enhancing the level of support provided to existing claimants, will also increase the attractiveness of the scheme more generally to other low-income farmers.

More generally, the farm assist scheme has been advertised in the national media and in the specialist farming publications. Also, the farming organisations notified their members through a series of country-wide seminars. My Department continues to liaise with these organisations on all aspects of the scheme.

The network of social welfare offices throughout the country, currently provides information to members of the public on the range of schemes and services available, including the farm assist scheme. Information leaflets and application forms for farm assist are available at these offices. In addition, social welfare inspectors in rural areas promote the farm assist scheme when meeting the public in the course of their duties.