Vol. 513 No. 1
256 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will expedite the application by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for farm retirement; and if he will make a statement on the delay in the matter. [1240/00]
The person named applied for an early retirement pension on 17 December 1999. The final date for applications under the present scheme was 31 December resulting in the receipt of a large volume of applications last month which added to existing backlogs. When processing of an application is delayed in this way there is no financial loss to a retiring farmer. The operational procedures for the scheme specifically ensure the date of receipt in the Department of a valid application determines the date from which payment is made.
