The Department of Social Protection is currently reviewing the means test for farmers receiving Farm Assist, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys told the Irish Farmers Journal this week.

A review of the means test was a commitment in the programme for government and the Our Rural Future plan, the Government’s new policy for rural Ireland for the next five years, launched this week.

“In terms of Farm Assist, yes we are reviewing that and it’s something in my department of social protection we’re currently assessing,” she said.

The minister also said that Government is continuing to work on legislation to introduce the Fair Deal scheme.