Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 3

Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.

Austin Deasy

Question:

35 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will make provision in the farm retirement scheme for owners of small and medium farms which could not be expected to sustain a young farmer who may have a job outside farming on a full-time basis. [3183/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

Under this scheme a young farmer who obtains land from a retiring farmer must undertake to practise farming as a main occupation on the enlarged holding.

This means that the young farmer must obtain at least 50 per cent of income from, and spend 50 per cent of time on farming or a combination of farming, forestry, on-farm tourism and crafts. In such cases farming must account for at least 25 per cent of total income.

The farmer can thus have a job outside farming provided this condition is met.