Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands meets for discussion on the impact of means testing on farm assist and other Social Welfare schemes

The meeting will hear from representatives from:

• Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA)
• Irish Farmers Association (IFA)
• Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA)
• Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA)

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Denis Naughten said: “This is the second in our series of meetings that we have planned on the topic of means testing and social welfare payments. In the Programme for Government, there was a commitment given to conduct a review of the means test for Farm Assist which will also have an impact on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS).

“Our Committee will look to the representatives attending tomorrow to provide first-hand insight into Farm Assist and the Rural Social Scheme. Each scheme plays a critical role in fostering social inclusion, economic sustainability, and community resilience in rural Ireland. We will discuss the approach they feel is necessary for the reassessment of the means testing requirement to ensure a fairer approach for people to access Farm Assist to help increase numbers on such an important scheme in order to enhance and increase all supports for farmers, fishers and rural residents facing financial hardship and employment challenges.

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.