All claims for social welfare benefit and assistance payments are decided by statutory deciding officers under the relevant legislation. I have no function in these decisions. The person concerned has been in receipt of a reduced rate farm assist with effect from 2 June 2009. Farm income is assessed in accordance with statutory provisions for the assessment of means as provided for under the Social Welfare Act. Under these provisions, capital (including savings and investments) and the value of property owned but not personally used and enjoyed are assessed as means. The farm means of the person concerned were assessed by the social welfare inspector using receipts supplied with the exception of some items which were estimated, that is, farm electricity/ phone/ car and depreciation. The value of property assessed was based on a letter of valuation provided. Outstanding mortgage was deducted from the overall property valuation figure.
At present, a revised means review is being carried out in this case and the person concerned will be informed of the outcome. The question of whether the gift of €10,000 should be taken into account will be considered as part of this review.