Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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60. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the funding under the farm assist programme in each year from 2010 to 2014; the projected expenditure in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34918/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The farm assist scheme provides support for farmers on low incomes and is similar to jobseeker’s allowance. The 2015 Revised Estimates for the Department provide for expenditure this year on the farm assist scheme of €88.7 million.

The farm assist scheme is kept under ongoing review. My officials have regular discussions and meetings with the IFA in relation to the scheme. Policy and operational staff are in close contact and co-operate on an ongoing basis on issues arising at local level and discuss and follow up on individual cases when the need arises.

The expenditure by year is attached in the following table.

Expenditure on Farm Assist, 2010 to 2015