Phil Hogan
Question:211 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the new rules for the early farm retirement scheme will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3216/00]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
A new scheme of early retirement from farming was submitted to the European Commission on 27 December 1999, as part of a rural development plan for the period 2000 to 2006.
While the Commission has six months in which to approve the plan, I will be pressing for approval at the earliest possible date. Until the plan has been approved by the Commission, it is not possible to state categorically what the terms of the new early retirement scheme will be.