asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the recipients of the farmers' retirement scheme are falling behind the rate of old age non-contributory pensioners; if he accepts that the old age non-contributory pension rate should be taken as a minimum guideline, and the steps he will take to rectify this unjust anomaly.
Written Answers. - Farmers' Retirement Scheme.
70.
The regulations governing the farmers retirement scheme provide for an annual increase in the retirement annuity in line with the Consumer Price Index. Recipients of the annuity may be eligible for a non-contributory old age pension depending on their means.