Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has assessed the number of farmers who may qualify for farm assist payments, following the closure of REP scheme four; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34243/09]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the discussions which have taken place between herself and the Department of Agriculture and Food following the closure of REP scheme four; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34241/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 171 together.

The Rural Environment Protection Scheme, REPS 4, was closed to new entrants in July of this year. However, under the Rural Development Programme a new agri-environment measure will be introduced and individuals who have been affected by the closure of REPS 4 can apply for this new scheme. On this basis, estimation of the number of farmers who may apply to social welfare schemes as a result of the REPS 4 closure is not possible at this time. Officials are in ongoing contact with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in relation to this matter.

The Department of Social and Family Affairs provides support for farmers on low incomes through the Farm Assist scheme which is a means-tested payment broadly similar to the jobseeker's allowance scheme. It features a more generous means test, which takes account of the specific nature of farming and, unlike jobseeker's allowance, farmers claiming this payment do not need to be available for work outside of the farm in order to qualify.

In recent years changes have been made to Farm Assist which means that it is now easier for low income farmers to qualify for support under the scheme. In January of this year the rates of payment for the scheme were increased. Improvements in the method of assessing earnings from insurable employment were also introduced in September 2007 which provides further gains for families claiming farm assist, where either spouse is also in insurable employment.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made to date on introducing a unified means test for all State social support schemes and benefits; and the timescale envisaged for the introduction of such a means test. [34387/09]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 160: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated savings to the Exchequer in net terms if a unified means test was introduced for all State social support schemes and benefits. [34388/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 160 together.

An inter-departmental working group was established in March 2009, on foot of a recommendation in the Task Force Report Transforming Public Services , to undertake a detailed study on the feasibility and value of introducing mechanisms to simplify the provision of means information to all public bodies. This working group is chaired by a senior official of this Department. While the group is not examining a proposal for a unified means test, their work will include consideration of all possibilities in relation to simplifying and achieving other efficiencies across all public bodies with regard to means testing arrangements. The work of the group is progressing well and the feasibility report is expected by the end of 2009. While a more simplified system would be beneficial for citizens claiming state benefits and should result in a more streamlined administration, it is too early to estimate the level of savings which may arise.

In relation to social welfare means tested payments, individuals in receipt of these and their families have differing needs and requirements, and are at different stages of the lifecycle. The means tests operated by the Department need to reflect these differences, where appropriate, to some degree. That said, the Department would wish to move to a less complex and more unified approach, especially for those of working age.