Ulick Burke
Question:235 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the position in relation to the farm retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23224/00]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
Ireland's CAP Rural Development Plan for the period 2000-6, which was submitted to the European Commission at the end of December 1999, has recently 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. These consultations have now been completed and the necessary scheme documentation including terms and conditions and application forms is being finalised. The new scheme will commence in the coming weeks.