asked the Minister for Agriculture if there are any proposals to amend Directive 72/160/EEC on the Cessation of Farming; and, if so, if such proposals include a succession allowance payable to farmers in less favoured areas.
Written Answers. - Cessation of Farming Directive.
179.
Amendments to Directive 72/160/EEC have been proposed by the EEC Commission. These include a proposal relating to less favoured areas of the Community which would allow the payment of a succession allowance to full-time farmers, aged 55 or over and until they reach 65, provided they hand over their farms to a family heir who has been employed on the farm for at least five years.
It is not possible to say at this stage when the Council of Ministers are likely to take a decision on the Commission's proposals.