Dan Neville
Question:212 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the reintroduction of the farm retirement scheme will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22167/00]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
Ireland's CAP rural development plan for the period 2000-06, which was submitted to the European Commission at the end of December 1999, has now been approved by the Commission. This plan covers early retirement along with REPS, compensatory allowances and forestry.
In accordance with the commitment entered into in the protocol on direct payments to farmers arising out of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, my Department has been consulting with the farming organisations about the detailed provisions of the new early retirement scheme for farmers. It is hoped to launch the new scheme in the coming weeks.