Vol. 567 No. 5
191 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the early farm retirement scheme will be reviewed by the EU Commission, in view of the very low take-up of the scheme at the moment and its lack of attractiveness for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14506/03]
To date, 1,900 applications have been received under the current early retirement scheme since it was launched at the end of 2000. Take-up under the scheme, while less than initially projected, remains steady and there is evidence of continued interest in the scheme. The Teagasc national farm survey, taken in autumn 2002, indicated that a further 4,400 farmers in the 55 to 66 age group would consider joining the scheme. Given that the survey did not include those who will reach the eligible age group before the current programming period ends in 2006, and taking into account the rate of applications so far, continued growth in participation levels can be expected.
The scheme of early retirement from farming is governed by Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999, and the main provisions of the scheme are included in the CAP Rural Development Plan 2000-2006. An independent evaluation of the schemes that form part of the rural development plan is currently under way as part of the mid-term review process, and will be submitted to the European Commission in due course.
