Farmers advised to apply for relief scheme

The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms Coughlan, has given details of measures to assist farmers. Ms Coughlan said that account would be taken of any loss of income or any additional costs incurred due to adverse weather conditions, in payments made to farmers.

"I appreciate the difficulties that farmers and their families are encountering at present. In many cases, the adverse weather conditions will have affected their farm income," she added. "Farmers who are on reduced rate payment and who wish to have their claim reviewed should contact their local social welfare office immediately. I would strongly advise farmers in difficulties to consider applying for Farm Assist."

Farm Assist was introduced in in April 1999 as a stand-alone, means-tested statutory scheme to replace the small-holders' unemployment assistance. Almost 8,500 people are currently in receipt of payments under the scheme.

Ms Coughlan's announcement followed a meeting she and the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mr Walsh, had with representatives of the IFA to discuss the impact bad weather conditions have had on farming income.

The president of the IFA, Mr John Dillon, said the Government's response was a recognition of the serious income shortage which farmers were now facing as a result of the poor weather.

The exceptional bad weather over the past number of months had resulted in many farmers facing increased costs, which would severely affect farm income over the next six to 12 months.

The most important decision agreed at the meeting, Mr Dillon said, was the use of the current year assessment, which meant families under income pressure would have immediate access to the Farm Assist scheme.

"The scheme will be targeted at those farmers who have a serious income difficulty and new applicants will be welcome," he added.

"It was agreed that the new procedures will be closely monitored over the coming weeks and a number of further improvements to the eligibility procedures will be discussed in advance of this year's Budget." Farmers who had a serious income problem because of the bad weather should apply for the scheme.

The Department has made a video outlining the details of Farm Assist, who might benefit and how to apply. It gives practical examples of farming families qualifying for a payment under the scheme. The video will be on display at selected venues, such as marts and the National Ploughing Championships. A copy will also be sent to each rural resource worker in partnership companies funded by ADM Ltd.

Meanwhile, the IFA national sheep committee chairman, Mr Laurence Fallon, has criticised Mr Walsh's decision to ignore the recommendation of the ewe premium quota review group and set the end of the 2003 ewe premium retention period for April 13th, one week before Easter Sunday. Mr Fallon said the IFA and other members of the review group had recommended April 1st as the date.