Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the €50.80 per week limit in household income over the contributory pension rate in order to qualify for free fuel allowance will be increased in budget 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36224/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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People on a qualifying non-contributory pension or other social welfare payment are normally eligible for a fuel allowance without further means test, subject to the other conditions for entitlement. Other applicant households may have a combined income of up to €51.00 above the current maximum weekly contributory old age pension rate, and still qualify for a fuel allowance. Based on this formula, the current upper limit income for fuel allowance eligibility is €244.30 for a single applicant or €373.10 for a couple, with further additions if there are any qualified dependent children, or if the applicant is over 80 years of age.

The fuel allowance income limit increases each winter season in line with the reference rate of state pension (contributory). On this basis, there have been significant real increases in the income limits for fuel allowance applicants in recent years. This situation will continue automatically in future seasons, in line with prevailing pension rates.

Any changes to the fuel allowance scheme such as rates of payment, income limits or eligibility would have cost implications and would have to be considered in the context of the Budget and in the light of the resources available for improvements in social welfare generally. Announcement of any changes of this kind would have to await publication of the budget.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will discard income earned from ownership of co-op shares when assessing income for farm assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36225/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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When assessing means for farm assist purposes, account is taken of any cash income the person may have, together with the value of capital and property. Capital may include the following:

stocks and shares of every description, which are assessed according to their current market value — this includes co-op shares.

savings certificates/bonds/national instalment savings, which are assessed according to their current market value.

money invested in a bank, building society etc.

Under current arrangements amounts held in shares are treated in the same manner as other capital outlined above and there are no plans to disregard shares from capital assessment.