Vol. 497 No. 5
160 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when farm retirement pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in view of the fact that documentation was submitted in June 1998. [25621/98]
Due to the volume of work in the Limerick office a backlog 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. 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.
161 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status in relation to a farm retirement pension for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [25622/98]
The processing of this application is nearing completion. If the application is in order payment will be made retrospective to the date on which a valid application was received.
