Vol. 520 No. 2
87 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when his Department will pay outstanding moneys to pensioners in view of the Ombudsman's decision to backdate incomplete farm retirement pension applications to within one month of receipt of the original application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15574/00]
My Department accepted a recommendation from the Ombudsman relating to two incomplete applications for the scheme of early retirement from farming, to the effect that the date of valid application should be calculated as if the applicants had been notified within one month of the deficiencies in their applications. The Ombudsman has asked my Department to apply the same procedure to all cases in future. This recommendation is being considered in the context of discussions with the farming bodies on the protocol for farmers arising out the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
While every effort is made to expedite the processing of applications under the scheme, these must be dealt with along with other priority work. In determining the date of valid application, it is proper to take account of delays on the part of applicants in supplying the necessary supporting documentation. I would emphasise to applicants the need to ensure that their applications are accompanied by all such documents, which are clearly listed in the scheme document and the accompanying guidelines published by my Department.
