The review of the Farm Assist scheme committed to in the current administration's programme for government is complete and sitting on Leo Varadkar's desk. The scheme is similar to the jobseeker’s allowance and provides support for farmers on low incomes.

In its programme the government committed to "a review of the Farm Assist scheme, recognising the challenges facing farmers on low incomes."

The Minister for Social Protection told the Irish Farmers Journal at the Ploughing Championships in Co Offaly that he has been presented with "a number of options" in terms of restoring some of the previous cuts.

"The decision on the restoration of cuts will be made known on Budget day, but I've been presented with a number of options. The way the Budget works is that everything is in the mix. The package is not agreed yet but what I do know is what the options are."

In its pre-budget submission for 2017, the IFA calls for a reinstatement of the income and child disregards that were abolished in Budgets 2012 and 2013.

"Farm assist is a vitally important scheme for low income farm families, particularly in a year like 2016, where low product prices are causing a collapse in incomes, and short-term cashflow support is vital on many farms," it says.

There may only be 8,000 farmers or so in receipt of Farm Assist but it does allow them to stay on the land

Varadkar says he understands the importance of Farm Assist: "There may only be 8,000 farmers or so in receipt of Farm Assist but it does allow them to stay on the land. It also gives a reassurance to other farmers that if they fall on hard times, that is there. So I very much understand the importance of it."

The 2016 revised estimates for Varadkar's department provide for an expenditure of almost €85m on the scheme.

Rural Social Scheme

The RSS is aimed at low-income farmers who are already getting a social welfare payment. In return for a top-up payment through the RSS, people participating in the scheme provide services that benefit rural communities.

The IFA has called for the number of places in the RSS to be increased from its current number of 2,600 to 4,000, and for eligibility to partake in the RSS to be flexible to cater for farmers whose incomes, while low, are above the threshold for Farm Assist.

However, Varadkar said that while he understands the importance of the RSS and would like to do something on both this scheme and Farm Assist, he "can’t promise anything".

"Obviously I have to agree to budget measures with other ministers," he said.

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Live: Day two of the National Ploughing Championships 2016 in Tullamore