Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 3

Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.

Ivan Yates

Question:

145 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford, who applied under the early retirement scheme some considerable time ago, will have her application processed and approved; and, if so, the date in this regard. [6033/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The person named applied for an early retirement pension on 11 October 1999. Due to the volume of work a backlog has arisen in the processing of applications. The backlog is being addressed by local office staff in conjunction with other priority work.

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.