Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 3

Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.

Michael Noonan

Question:

158 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will provide information on a case concerning a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who wishes to leave the early retirement scheme for farming before the ten year period is completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8956/01]

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

Pensions under the scheme of early retirement from farming are paid for a period of ten years, or until the transferor's 70th birthday, whichever is the sooner.

When a person enters the scheme of early retirement, my Department contracts with that person to pay the pension for as long as he/she remains eligible under the scheme. That person in turn contracts with my Department to cease commercial farming permanently, and to abide by all other terms and conditions of the scheme for the period for which the pension is granted. Transferees must also comply with their undertakings under the scheme for the same period.

Accordingly, if the person named withdraws from the scheme within that period, the contract is broken, and she will have to repay all moneys paid to her since her entry to the scheme.