Smallholder Appeals and Assessment Forms
In Cavan and Monaghan, 11 of 71 smallholders whose payments stopped after factual means assessments had them restored on appeal. The Minister said he had introduced a new form after meeting representatives who found the previous form inadequate.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of unemployment assistance recipients in Cavan-Monaghan who had their benefits withdrawn during 1983 and restored as a result of appeal.
Comment on this
The only statistics available are in respect of smallholders formerly in receipt of unemployment assistance based on a notional means assessment whose means have been reassessed on a factual basis under the provisions of the Social Welfare Act, 1983.
The number of notionally assessed smallholders in Counties Cavan and Monaghan whose unemployment assistance payments ceased following factual assessment between May and October 1983 was 71, of whom 11 had payment restored on appeal.
Comment on this
Would the Minister confirm the newspaper report that, having seen the form which was to be filled in by people in those circumstances, he was convinced that a proper picture could not be obtained from it?
Comment on this
I have had a recent meeting with a group representing the small farmers. It was quite clear that they were not aware of what should be used. I felt that a new form was necessary and have produced that.