Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the means assessment system which places a notional income on commercial property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8168/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In assessing means for social assistance purposes, account is taken of any cash income the person may have, together with the value of capital and property. The yearly value of property and capital is assessed on a notional basis. In the case of property, the market value is established and any outstanding mortgages on that property are deducted before assessment. The first €20,000 of combined capital and property is then disregarded (€50,000 in the case of disability allowance and €5,000 in the case of supplementary welfare allowance), and the balance is assessed by reference to a formula. The value of property such as the family home, land farmed by the person as well as commercial premises used in the course of the business of the claimant is not assessed. Any changes to the current arrangements would have to be considered in a Budgetary context and in the light of available resources.