Colm M. Hilliard
Question:19 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if the provisions he has made in 1995 for the early retirement scheme will prove adequate given the level of demand for the scheme. [3491/95]
Written Answers. - Early Retirement Scheme.
It is projected that up to 7,000 will participate in the early retirement scheme up to 1998. In 1994, 1,500 pensions were approved and it is expected that a further 1,500 will be paid during 1995.
The 1995 budget for the scheme is £19.4 million i.e. nearly four times the expenditure incurred in 1994, and is made up of about £13 million for those already in the scheme and a further £6.0 million for the expected new applicants who will join the scheme on a gradual basis during 1995.
I expect therefore that there will be sufficient funds to cope with the anticipated level of participation in the early retirement scheme in 1995.