Written answers

Tuesday, 27 June 2006

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Social Welfare Benefits

11:00 pm

Photo of Michael LowryMichael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 332: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of recipients in each county in receipt of farm assist payment; the measures being taken by his Department to promote the scheme in view of the decline in farm incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24425/06]

Photo of Séamus BrennanSéamus 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 7,581 farm assist customers. The current average weekly payment is EUR 173.89. A table showing the number of recipients by county is set out below.

The level of take-up 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 take up 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.

The farm assist scheme has brought about a worthwhile improvement for low income farmers and 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 EUR100,000 was spent on that campaign which included radio and press advertising, including 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 provide information to members of the public on the range of schemes and services available, including the farm assist scheme. Information leaflets and applications 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.

Claims in payment by county (16/06/06)
County No. of Claims
Carlow 56
Cavan 281
Clare 412
Cork 528
Donegal 1,080
Dublin 9
Galway 826
Kerry 572
Kildare 36
Kilkenny 111
Laois 78
Leitrim 200
Limerick 200
Longford 90
Louth 67
Mayo 1,411
Meath 54
Monaghan 390
Offaly 72
Roscommon 299
Sligo 315
Tipperary 186
Waterford 41
Westmeath 75
Wexford 141
Wicklow 51
Total 7,581

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