Vol. 530 No. 5
40 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on whether there is a lack of data on total farm income and that such information is vital for policy making; the plans he has to rectify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3871/01]
The total income of farm households includes income from farming, income from off-farm employment, social welfare payments and income from other sources.
To date, the only published information on total farm household income has been drawn from the CSO's household budget survey. The most recent HBS for which results have been published is 1994-95. I understand that results for 1999-2000 should be published later this year.
Teagasc's 1999 national farm survey report included, for the first time, information on the off-farm employment income of farmers, but not other household members, as well as the usual data on farming income. My Department is also currently sponsoring work by the ESRI, using the living in Ireland survey, which should add further to information in this area. I am also aware that Eurostat is seeking similar information.
I remain concerned at the lack of regular up to date information on total farm household income, which is of great importance for informed policy making. My Department will continue to work with Teagasc, the CSO and the ESRI to encourage them to address this important gap in the information available to us.
