Would the Minister consider introducing a valuation system?

I am no wiser now than I was when I asked the Minister this question.

The Deputy asked me how means are assessed for medical card holders who get their income from small farms. I have set out that information.

I should still like to know how the holder of a small farm is assessed. Would the Minister consider assessing that man on his valuation, as is done for other social welfare beneficiaries? That is the only sensible way it could be done. Would the Minister consider that and would he recommend it?

I will certainly consider it.

Will the Minister recommend it?

Purely on a valuation basis?

Yes.

In view of the hardship caused to small farmers in completing the application forms, would it be possible to adopt a notional system and say that their income is £x for each £1 of land valuation? This would be a great relief to the farming community.

That is the same as the point Deputy White was making. I would imagine it would probably require a change in the legislation, because the legislation indicates that each case must be considered on its merits and in relation to the circumstances of the individual or the family. I do not think we would be discharging that obligation in the statute if we were simply to adopt a rule of thumb notional assessment based on valuation.

Will the Minister consider changing the system, because it is completely unfair?

I am aware that it gives rise to a lot of dissatisfaction.

Will the Minister do something about it?

Will the Deputy not leave the farmer lobby to deal with this matter and he and I will look after——

The farmer lobby dealt with the Minister when he was Minister for Agriculture.

I am exchanging some good humoured banter with my colleague on the Labour benches and there is no need for the Fine Gael spokesman to intrude his "aggro" into the situation.