The person named applied for an early retirement pension on 29 April 1999. On examination of the file a query arose. The applicant's solicitors were requested to provide further details in relation to this query. To date, the requested information has not been supplied.
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.