Michael Ring
Question:102 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will qualify for the full rate of retirement pension. [16894/00]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
The closing date for applications to the existing scheme of early retirement from farming was 31 December last, and by that date, according to my Department's records, no application had been received from the person named. Proposals for a new scheme are included in the Rural Development Plan 2000-2006 which my Department submitted to the European Commission in December last. Discussions on the draft plan between my Department and the Commission are under way but until the Commission approves the plan it is not possible to say with certainty what the terms of the new scheme will be or whether the person named will be eligible to apply for it.