Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 1

Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.

Paul McGrath

Question:

109 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many applications for the farm retirement scheme can remain unprocessed for months in his Department; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these delays can lead to major financial loss to retiring farmers; and if he will ensure that anyone who lost financially due to these delays will be compensated. [15412/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I understand that for some time, there has been a delay in processing applications due to scarce staff resources. I am making arrangements to ensure that unavoidable delays in processing of applications do not result in early retirement scheme applicants being penalised. The commencement date of pensions will be adjusted to take account of unavoidable delays.