The TD, Charlie McConalogue, made his comments during a Dáil debate with Kevin Humphreys, the Minister of State for Social Protection.

“In addition,” McConalogue said, “it is stated on the form that it must be returned with all documentation within 14 days as otherwise the payment will cease. These farm families feel they are being harassed by the Government and that the Government does not want them to continue availing of the Farm Assist payment.”

Every euro a farm family earns is deducted directly from their Farm Assist payment, thus removing any incentive for production and to work hard

McConalogue also criticised the Government for reducing to 0% the amount of income that is disregarded in means assessing farmers’ payments under the scheme. Before the current Government came into office, 30% of a farmer’s income was disregarded in assessing his or her Farm Assist payment.

“Now, every euro a farm family earns is deducted directly from their Farm Assist payment, thus removing any incentive for production and to work hard,” the TD told Deputy Humphreys.

Farmers receive “more beneficial treatment”

In reply, Minister Humphreys said the Government “supports farming families” and it should be noted that Farm Assist customers receive “more beneficial treatment than other self-employed persons”, as payments received under various agri-environmental schemes are assessed separately to other farm income.

On the issue of the review form and the 14-day deadline within which it has to be returned, Humphreys said he will look at the forms himself and see if it is necessary to extend the time for review.

“On the particular issue of the forms, the deadline and the onerousness of the burden of accessing the information, I will look at the forms and speak to my officials to determine exactly how difficult it is to comply,” he said

According to the minister, the 2016 revised estimates for the Department of Social Protection provide for expenditure of almost €85m on the Farm Assist Scheme, with approximately 8,800 individuals receiving a weekly payment under the scheme.

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Farm assist numbers remain stable