Willie Penrose
Question:89 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if, in view of the new requirement in the farm retirement scheme (details supplied), he will outline the position of an applicant who would qualify in all respects for participation in the scheme, save for that provision in so far as the applicant had had to let his lands for the past three years due to a medical condition which rendered him unable to farm and compelled him to rent same; if, in view of the foregoing circumstances, he will be allowed to apply for this scheme under the force majeure condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8322/01]