Farm Assist is a statutory income support specifically for farmers on low-incomes. There are just under 4,400 claims in payment at present. Government has provided €49.4 million for the scheme for 2023.
I significantly expanded the list of agri-environmental schemes that attract a disregard for Farm Assist, from June 2022. In addition, I announced an increase in the amount of the disregard for agri-environmental schemes, which almost doubled the amount from €2,540 to €5,000. This measure came into effect in January 2023.
As I advised the Deputy last month, the process for providing for a further expansion of the list of schemes that attract this disregard is underway. I am committed to working with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and his officials, to identify schemes in Ireland's Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027 which may be appropriate for inclusion in this list of schemes.
I trust this clarifies the position.