Vol. 509 No. 4
189 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the changes, if any, which will be made in the farm retirement pension scheme; if so, when these changes will be made; and when applications will be taken under the new scheme. [20679/99]
The rural development regulation which was adopted by the Agriculture Council on May 17 this year as part of the agenda 2000 agreement provides for continued support for early retirement from farming. My Department is at present preparing an integrated rural development plan with a view to implementing the new regulation. The terms and conditions which will apply to the future early retirement scheme are being considered at present in the context of that plan.
I expect my Department's proposals for the integrated rural development plan to be submitted to the European Commission before the end of the year. The Commission is required to approve the plan within six months of the date of submission. The provisions of the regulation cannot be implemented until the Commission has approved the plan.
