Michael Creed
Question:212 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will reconsider the circumstances whereby a person (details supplied) in County Cork, who is a beneficiary under the early retirement scheme from farming, is having their pension reduced on a monthly basis by the amount of their spouses contributory pension entitlement, which refers to pension contributions paid in respect of off farm employment; the circumstances surrounding a recent announcement by his Department whereby certain pension payments are not deductible from the early retirement scheme from farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8521/02]