John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 314: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number availing of the farm assist scheme for County Mayo in 2007, 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21773/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The number of farmers availing of the farm assist scheme in Co. Mayo are as follows: 2007 1,506

2008 1,522

2009 1,681

2010 1,751 (at mid May)

The farm assist scheme which was introduced in the Social Welfare Act, 1999 is a practical response by the Department to the situation of low-income farmers and it represents a long-term safety net for them. It benefits farm families with children and also provides increased payments to farming couples without children and to single farmers on low income.