Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the level of uptake for the farm assist scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10930/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The farm assist scheme, which introduced special arrangements for farmers on low incomes, was provided for in the Social Welfare Act 1999 and came into operation with effect from 7 April 1999. There are now 7,750 farm assist customers. The current average weekly payment is €181.81.

The level of uptake is less than had been anticipated when the scheme was first introduced in April 1999. This is due to the significant increase in off-farm employment in recent years and the uptake of the rural social scheme which is operated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and which also specifically targets low income farmers. There are currently approximately 2,140 customers availing of this scheme, 868 of whom transferred from farm assist.

The farm assist scheme has brought about a worthwhile improvement for low income farmers, particularly for those with children, and it makes a valuable contribution to supporting those who are at the lower end of the farm income spectrum. To increase awareness of the farm assist scheme, my Department undertook a major publicity campaign in 2002. Almost €100,000 was spent on that campaign which included radio and press advertising, including in specialist farming publications, and the production of a promotional video on the scheme.

More generally, the network of social welfare offices and citizen's information offices throughout the country provides information to members of the public on the range of schemes and services available, including the farm assist scheme. Information leaflets and application forms for farm assist are available at these offices. In addition, social welfare inspectors in rural areas promote the scheme when meeting the public in the course of their duties.