Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2010
314 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the number availing of the farm assist scheme for County Mayo in 2007, 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21773/10]
View answerThe number of farmers availing of the farm assist scheme in Co. Mayo are as follows:
2007 — 1,506;
2008 — 1,522;
2009 — 1,681;
2010 — 1,751 (at mid May).
The farm assist scheme which was introduced in the Social Welfare Act, 1999 is a practical response by the Department to the situation of low-income farmers and it represents a long-term safety net for them. It benefits farm families with children and also provides increased payments to farming couples without children and to single farmers on low income.
