Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2004
183 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of farm families which are benefiting from farm assist; the average allowance they receive; the number which have been transferred to the new farm employment scheme; if he has satisfied himself that the means test for this scheme is a fair and accurate assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23184/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe farm assist scheme, which introduced special arrangements for farmers on low incomes, came into operation with effect from 7 April 1999.
At the end of September 2004, there were 8,607 people in receipt of a farm assist payment. Of this number, 5,258 were families and they received an average weekly payment of €171.04 which includes a fuel payment.
The amount paid to each farmer depends on a number of factors, for example, family size, whether the spouse-partner is working and any means assessed from all sources.
In calculating means for the purposes of farm assist, account is taken of the gross yearly income which the farmer and his or her spouse-partner may reasonably expect to receive from farming or any other self-employment, less any expenses necessarily incurred in carrying on the business.
This means that the assessment of the expected annual income is based on normal output and costs appropriate to normal stock levels, capacity and market trends. While the legislation does not stipulate that the assessment should be based on the income received in the previous year, income and expenditure figures for the preceding year are generally used as an indicator of the expected position in the following year. However, account is taken of any exceptional circumstances so as to ensure that the assessment accurately reflects the current situation.
Where a farmer disagrees with a means assessment, he or she may appeal the decision to the social welfare appeals office. In addition, where a farmer feels that his or her circumstances have changed since the most recent assessment, he or she may request a means review.
The scheme has brought about a worthwhile improvement for low income farmers and particularly for those with children and makes a valuable contribution to supporting those who are at the lower end of the farm income spectrum. I am satisfied that the current assessment of means is fair and reasonable.
A new scheme, the rural social scheme was introduced by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with effect from May 2004. This scheme is designed specifically for rural people and is a community work programme, with a focus on the provision of direct services in the community.
At the end of September 2004, 45 farmers had transferred from farm assist to the rural social scheme.
