Michael Finucane
Question:234 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a farm retirement grant will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and the status of the application. [23858/98]
Written Answers - Farm Retirement Scheme.
Due to the volume of work in the Limerick office a backlog of about four months has arisen in the processing of applications under the scheme of early retirement from farming. Currently the staffing of the office is under review with the objective of improving the situation there. However, this application will be dealt with as soon as possible. I would point out, however, that in no case does the processing time result in a 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.