Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 3

Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.

Donal Carey

Question:

109 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to the disquiet that exists among some members of the farming community regarding the effect that the rising rate of inflation is having on the farm retirement pension; the plans he has to increase or improve, in any way, the rate of this farm retirement income to counteract the rising rate of inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16985/00]

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

The scheme of early retirement from farming was introduced under Council Regulation EU 2079/92 and the rate of payment to participants in the scheme is the maximum provided for in that regulation. As a result, it is not open to me to vary the rate as advocated by the Deputy.