Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

765 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of farm families in receipt of farm assist at the present time; the average amount being paid per family; the amount she has spent to date from her date of appointment on the campaign to get extra people to apply; if she envisages the scheme fulfilling its objectives to provide income support for 15,000 farm families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16074/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

There were 8,633 people in receipt of a farm assist payment at the end of May 2003. Of this number, 5,365 were families and they received an average weekly payment of €158.48.

To increase awareness of the farm assist scheme, my Department undertook a major publicity campaign in 2002. Almost €100,000 was spent on that campaign which included radio and press advertising and the production and showing around the country of a promotional video on the scheme.

Farm assist was introduced in April 1999 and replaced the smallholders unemployment assistance scheme. The numbers on that scheme had declined from 9,900 in 1995 to 6,500 in 1998, that is by more than 1,000 per year. the 8,633 now receiving payment under the farm assist scheme in fact reflects a significant reversal of the trend in numbers who benefit from support. As the Deputy is aware, I revised the methodology in assessments last year to take into account current year income due to the impact of the severe weather conditions.

The scheme has brought about a worthwhile improvement for low income farmers and particularly for those with children and the scheme clearly makes a valuable contribution to supporting those who are at the lower end of the farm income spectrum.