Paul Connaughton
Question:174 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a farm retirement pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21903/02]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
The application by the person named for the early retirement pension was received in my Department on 11 July 2002, but on 2 October 2002 he was informed that it had been rejected because of issues relating to the lease of his land. He was also advised of his right to seek a review of the decision by the regional inspector. However, to date he has not sought such a review.
It is still open to the person named to seek a review of the rejection of his application. He should do so in writing, setting out the grounds on which he believes the decision should be reviewed. If he seeks a review and is still dissatisfied with the outcome, he will then have the right to make an appeal to the agriculture appeals office.
It would be advisable for the person named to consult his agricultural adviser to see whether the problems that led to the rejection of his application can be rectified.