Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would say to Deputy Ó Laoghaire that farm assist was originally the farmers' dole and there is a social and cultural aspect to this. People are reluctant to apply. It is only when their back is to the wall that they will consider it because it is seen as throwing in the towel in terms of a viable farm enterprise.