Vol. 445 No. 9
144 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a statement of accounts prepared by Teagasc for smallholders could be used as a basis for assessment of means in view of the fact that these accounts include profit and loss, balance sheet and capital account; and the reason these accounts cannot be considered at present. [1349/94]
Means for unemployment assistance are assessed under the provisons of the Social Welfare Acts and regulations. The basis of assessment set out in the legislation is different from business practice — for example depreciation of fixed assets such as farm buildings is not allowed. Accordingly statements of accounts prepared for business purposes cannot be used as the sole basis for means assessment. Such accounts are however of assistance to investigators, deciding and appeals officers and are a welcome source of information wherever available.
