Seanad debates
Tuesday, 25 March 2003
Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed).
Another scheme which needs to be mentioned is farm assist to which Senator Bradford referred. Last year was a difficult one for agriculture. The weather played a role in making life difficult. The Minister has met farming organisations on the issue. In every budget in recent years a certain advantage has been given to recipients of unemployment assistance who have farms. The income disregard is an important element of the schemes. I am glad the Minister has continued her discussions with farming organisations about improvements that can be made. Of all schemes, this is the one in place for farmers. We may go to the European Union and look for help but if it is European policy not to give such help, we will not get it. We can have our own scheme such as farm assist to ensure payments are made to farmers who have fallen on hard times.
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