Billy Timmins
Question:254 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans she has to increase the income and child disregard in the farm assist scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18588/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The farm assist scheme was introduced in 1999 as an income support scheme for low income farmers. It is a means tested scheme with a different method of assessment, including disregards in respect of qualified children, than applied under the smallholder's unemployment assistance scheme.
The scheme was further improved in two ways from October 2000. Firstly, the child-related income disregards were increased by €126.97 (£100), bringing them to €253.95 (£200), in respect of each of the first two children and to €380.92 (£300), in respect of the third and subsequent children. Secondly, the means assessment rate was reduced from 80% to 70%. I should mention that claimants of farm assist benefit from the improved capital assessment regime which was also introduced in October 2000.
I have received a number of proposals for changes in the farm assist scheme. The question of any changes to the scheme will be considered in the context of the budget considerations.