Jimmy Deenihan
Question:97 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the details of the new farm retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13661/99]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
The rural development regulation which was recently adopted by the Agriculture Council as part of the Agenda 2000 agreement provides for continued support for early retirement from farming. Under the new regulation, the provisions of which will apply from 1 January 2000, the enlargement requirement in the existing scheme will be replaced by a provision linked to the improved viability of the holding transferred, and part-time farmers will be eligible to apply for the pension. The new scheme provides for possible changes in relation to the level and duration of pension payments.
Detailed rules for the implementation of the regulation have yet to be agreed. The new early retirement scheme to apply in Ireland will form part of the rural development plan which my Department has to submit to the European Commission within six months of adoption of the Council Regulation. The Commission will approve such a plan within six months of submission.