asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that farmers are being refused aid under the headage scheme and western package because their income from social welfare exceeds their estimated income from agriculture; and if he will consider changing this particular decision at this time.

Social welfare payments are not taken into account when assessing the income of applicants for headage purposes or for on-farm investment aid under the western package.

Has the Minister of State any proposals to increase the level from the present low figure in the region of £6,400 to a more realistic level to allow them to avail of these grants?

That is a separate question.

No.

Ceist a 3.

(Limerick West): Are there any proposals within that package to review the whole aspect of social welfare with regard to those schemes having regard to this income?

No.

This is a specific general question. That may appear to be a contradiction in terms but it is not. It concerns whether certain things are taken into consideration.