Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the impact on farmers of the changes concerning farm assist which arose in budget 2012 in relation to a reduction in the income disregards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7265/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Support for farmers on low incomes is available through the farm assist scheme. While this means-tested payment is broadly similar to the jobseeker's allowance scheme, it has 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.

The changes to the scheme announced in Budget 2012 relate to the assessment of means from self-employment, including farming, which was raised from 70% to 85%. In addition, the deductions from assessable self employment income for children were halved to €127 per year for each of the first two dependent children and €190.50 per year for each subsequent child.

These changes, which are estimated to affect some 5,500 claimants, bring the conditions of the scheme closer to those of jobseeker's allowance. In this regard they also facilitate a move towards the introduction of the proposed single assistance payment for persons of working age.