Michael Ring
Question:106 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to formulate new guidelines for the farm retirement scheme; and if he will give details of the new guidelines. [20908/99]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
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.
Michael Ring
Question:107 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will alter the regulations for the farm retirement scheme to allow for the person who is taking over the farm to hold a full-time job also. [20909/99]
The rural development regulation which was adopted by the Agriculture Council on 17 May 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.
Michael Ring
Question:108 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to increase the payments under the farm retirement scheme. [20910/99]
The rural development regulation which was adopted by the Agriculture Council on 17 May 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.