Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 7

Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.

Paul McGrath

Question:

165 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the waiting time per county for the processing of applications under the farm retirement scheme; the reason for the long waiting times in some counties; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these delays can result in financial loss to retiring farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7208/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I have set out the information requested by the Deputy in the following table.

Less than 4 weeks	Carlow, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Louth, Leitrim, Meath, Monaghan, Sligo, Waterford, Wexford.
4-12 weeks	Cavan, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Mayo, Roscommon, Tipperary.
12-20 weeks	Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow.
Over 20 weeks	Limerick.

All applications are processed in each of the Department's local offices in strict order of receipt. In general, the longer processing time in some counties is attributable to the higher volume of applications under the various CAP reform schemes. However, in no case does the processing time result in financial loss to a retiring farmer. The operational procedures for the scheme specifically ensure that the date of receipt in the Department of a valid application determines the date from which payment is made.