Michael Creed
Question:174 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will abolish the enlargement requirement for qualification for the farm retirement scheme. [5844/99]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
I wrote to Commissioner Fischler in February 1998 requesting the replacement of the enlargement requirement with viability criteria.
Proposals in this regard are included in the draft rural development regulation which is expected to be agreed by the Agricultural Council by the end of March 1999. Changes in the scheme under that regulation will come into effect in the year 2000.