Dick Spring
Question:107 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will review the terms of the early retirement scheme as it is now operating. [3533/01]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
It is a requirement under the terms of both the 1994 early retirement scheme, as approved under Council Regulation (EEC) 2079/92, and the new scheme as approved under Council Regulation (EC) 1257/99, that the early retirement pension is paid as a supplement to any national retirement pension to which the participant in the scheme is, or becomes, entitled. Consequently the amount of any national retirement pension must be deducted from the early retirement pension. This requirement is included in the guidelines to the 1994 scheme and in the new scheme launched on 27 November 2000. As the matter is the subject of a specific provision in the relevant EU Council regulations it is not one in which my Department has discretion.