Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 7

Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

146 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers approved under the farm retirement scheme; the number of claims in progress; if he will give details of the future of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17028/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The number of applicants approved to date and receiving payment under the scheme is 6,715 and the number of applicants awaiting final decision is 735.

This scheme will be coming up for review with the EU Commission in 1999. I will be advocating the continuation of the scheme when it comes up for review.