Denis Naughten
Question:54 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to review the early retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14053/02]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
The main provisions of the current scheme of early retirement from farming are set down in the CAP Rural Development Plan, 2000-2006. Any changes to those provisions would have to be introduced by way of an amendment to the plan with the agreement of the EU Commission. I have asked my officials to begin a review of the scheme with a view to proposing any appropriate changes to the Commission in 2003 in the context of the mid-term review of the CAP rural development plan.
I have already made certain minor changes to the scheme which did not require formal Commission approval.