Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 3

Written Answers. - Farm Assist Scheme.

Michael Creed

Question:

228 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will clarify the situation regarding the means test for farm assist and specifically the manner in which agricultural grant payment under the rural environmental protection scheme is treated when determining income for farm assist purposes. [10443/01]

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

In calculating means for the purpose of farm assist, account is taken of the gross yearly income which the farmer and his or her spouse may reasonably expect to receive from farming or any other self-employment, less any expenses necessarily incurred in carrying on the business. Where the farmer has dependent children, £200.00 per annum is disregarded in respect of each of the first two qualified children and £300.00 each per annum for subsequent children. Some 70% of the remaining net income is then assessed.

The assessment is designed to form a basis on which entitlement to farm assist can be determined. This means that the assessment of the expected annual income is based on normal output and costs appropriate to normal stock levels, capacity and market trends. However, where changes in circumstances are likely to affect current business, every effort is made to ensure that the assessment accurately reflects likely income and expenditure in the current year of operation. Where a farmer disagrees with a means assessment, he or she may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals office. In addition, where a farmer feels that his or her circumstances have changed since the most recent assessment, he or she may request a means review.

Income from both the rural environmental protection scheme and the special areas of conservation scheme is assessed separately from other farm income and is calculated as follows: the first £2,000 is disregarded; expenses necessarily incurred are deducted; and 50% of the balance is assessed.