Farm Assist Scheme Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2016

Tuesday, 25 October 2016

Questions (307)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

307. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when it is intended to reintroduce the 30% disregard and allowances for children under the farm assist scheme; if all persons on farm assist and the RSS scheme will have their payments automatically reassessed to see if they are entitled to a higher rate of payment; when this reassessment work will begin; when persons will be notified of the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31555/16]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The new measures announced in the budget in relation to the farm assist scheme will take effect in March 2017.

Those affected by the measures will have their entitlements automatically reassessed using the information held by the Department on their current claim.

As you will appreciate, many of the operational issues have yet to be finalised including how to deal with those on farm assist who moved to RSS. Work on this project will begin over the coming weeks.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.