Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2016
384. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will reverse the cuts imposed in past budgets to increase the number of eligible low-income farmers; if he will reinstate the income and child disregards for farm assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26699/16]
View answerThe farm assist scheme provides support for farmers on low incomes. Farm assist recipients maintain the retention of secondary benefits and access to activation programmes. The 2016 Revised Estimates for my Department provide for expenditure of €85 million on the farm assist scheme.
The Programme for Government contains the commitment to undertake a "Review of the Farm Assist Scheme, recognising the challenges facing farmers on low incomes". This review has now been completed and will inform any changes to the farm assist scheme. Any changes will be considered in the context of Budget 2017 subject to the overall budgetary context.
