Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:675 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of applications for the farm assist scheme, the number processed to date, and the number currently under appeal. [17822/99]
Vol. 508 No. 1
675 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of applications for the farm assist scheme, the number processed to date, and the number currently under appeal. [17822/99]
676 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of cases where former recipients of small farmers' assistance have applied for or have been transferred to the farm assist scheme; and the number of such cases where increases have been granted which resulted in decreases for the applicants and in the applicants being eliminated from payments. [17823/99]
694 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of farmers on farm assist at 1 September 1999; the average weekly income per person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18097/99]
695 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of farmers on small farmers' dole in 1998; the average weekly income per person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18098/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 675, 676, 694, and 695 together.
The farm assist scheme, which introduced special arrangements for farmers on low incomes, was provided for in the Social Welfare Act, 1999, and is effective from 7 April 1999.
To date 9,028 applications have been received for farm assist. These include 2,323 new applications and 6,705 claimants formerly in receipt of smallholders unemployment assistance, widows non-contributory pension, pre-retirement or disability allowance.