John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 460: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the fact that the Department of Education and Science is not accepting the means tested farm assist payment as proof of income for third level grants and is causing severe financial hardship to people in receipt of these payments; if she will discuss what is involved in the means test with the Minister for Education and Science to show that people who qualify for this payment are below a certain income level and that the means test is carried out by her Department is sufficient as proof of income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39562/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In assessing means for the purpose of farm assist account is taken of the following: Income from self-employment both from farming and off-farm; Income from insurable employment; Pensions from former employer or from another country; Savings and Investments; Income from property (excluding the family home). The income of both the farmer and his/her spouse is taken into account.

While there are broad similarities in the elements of means taken into account for farm assist and student maintenance grants, the method of assessment varies significantly.

Ultimately it is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, to determine the criteria to be met by those applying for a scheme administered by his Department.